Regina’s Frost Festival features bouncy castles outside at Mosaic Stadium

This year’s iteration of Regina’s Frost Festival offers a new venue for activities, as residents flock to Mosaic Stadium.

In addition to events happening at Wascana Centre, the Conexus Arts Centre and downtown, winter sport activities are also happening at Mosaic Stadium as well as Confederation Park and the SGI SportsCage Lounge.

“Mosaic Stadium is new for this year. We have filled the stadium with as many winter sport activities as we possibly can,” shared Cat Betker, director of signature events for The Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL).

Activities such as bouncy castles, winter bubble soccer, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are being offered at the stadium until Feb. 22.

“We really wanted to utilize the space that gets a little bit underutilized in the winter season,” Betker explained.

“This facility is so amazing. We have such an incredible opportunity to use it in as many different ways as possible and this seemed like a good time to try it out.”

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The winter festival has been held in the city for the past five years. This year, the City of Regina and REAL expanded the one-weekend event to three consecutive weekends.

Alex Hayton, who has lived in the city for years with his partner and three kids, said this was their family’s first time attending the event.

“The kids really enjoyed the snowhill here and they all loved the igloo, also the teepees,” Hayton said. “It brings up a community and everything. I think it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to come out here and interact with the rest of the people around Regina.”

“The kids are loving it. It’s great weather for it and great activities that they are seeming to enjoy,” Melissa Richmond added, referring to their three children.

Being able to have bouncy castles outside in the snow was a first for Upside Rentals, a local company who supplied the Mega Bounce Obstacle Course at the stadium.

“Usually when you think of bouncers it’s either inside and it’s not outside in the snow,” volunteer Erica Marwick said while smiling.

“It did put a little bit of challenges for us trying to make them stay down and not fly, as well just having people wear their boots is completely different to me because you slip and you slide. It’s just it’s been a learning curve, but it’s been fun.”

Marwick said the activity is not limited to children, as she witnessed many adults who enjoyed themselves.

“These [bouncers] are for anybody. Even yesterday there was an older lady in a wheelchair and she came, sat on the edge of one and was having the time of her life because kids would go through and it would bounce her,” she explained.

“That’s what we try and do, make an experience for everybody. Doesn’t matter your age or ability.”

With the event happening for one more weekend before returning next winter, Betker encourages families to take advantage of the site.

“I hope the families come out and just have an absolutely phenomenal time. There’s so much to see, so much to do. It’s a great way to bring the family down,” she shared.

“[During] weekend one, we had families here for over three hours. It’s a great way to bring the kids out to run around, try something new, eat some amazing food, and just have a really great time.”

On Feb. 21-22, gates for the event will open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Those looking to join the festivities can buy their tickets online.