“Overwhelming popularity” prompts extension of Spirit of Winter festival

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Kingstonians who have not had a chance to visit Spirit of Winter: Enchanted are in luck, as the Downtown Kingston BIA has announced the extension of the festival until the end of the month. 

While the second annual winter celebration set up in Springer Market Square was originally scheduled to end on Feb. 16, due to overwhelming popularity the event will now run through Feb. 28.

In an interview with CFRC about the launch of the festival, Downtown Kingston Events Manager Sandi Griffiths shared that the event’s new addition this year, the Snow Dome Village, has been especially popular. Spots sold out in record time, a large contributing factor in the decision to extend the event. 

A portion of the proceeds from Snow Dome Village fund the BIA’s Welcoming Streets program, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health difficulties with essential resources and services. The revenue also helps sustain the BIA’s free summer programming, including Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, Movies in the Square, and Salsa in the Square.

Listen to the story here.