‘The true north spirit’: Performers, carving and ice burning returns to Fort St. John for Winter Fest 2026

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Performers and artists entertained crowds at the Winter Fest finale in Fort St. John this weekend, which included the customary ice burning spectacle. 

The event took place on February 16th at Centennial Park, even though a snowstorm was on the way. 

Dancers from the Dream Dance Circus faced the wind to perform, including Marcia Tofer, who utilizes fire in her set. 

“The audience was so much fun, people love seeing fire sceners,” she said. “That’s a big part of the reason [why we perform], you get such a nice gratification.

“It’s so exciting, and it’s so nice to see so many people out. What an indication for the true north spirit.”

Following the show, the finale of the ice carving competition took place, with Ryan Cook named the winner chosen by the public and Abe Waterman the winner selected by staff. 

Shortly afterwards, the burning of the ice tower began, with an ice sculpture sent up in flames to symbolize the end of the ice carving weekend. 

Abe Waterman told Energeticcity.ca he constructed a piece the public could interact with on a nautical theme: it ended up being a bench using mermaids. 

“Battling the weather and the short timeline we had was a challenge, but the great group of sculptors and event organizers made it all work in the end,” he said. 

The artist added: “Watching the kids tear around and have a great time, and hopefully get inspired, is what makes it feel worthwhile.

“What I’ll take away from Fort St. John’s Winter Fest is the friendship and camaraderie that grows with the wonderful individuals that bring this event together.”

Some attendees told Energeticcity.ca they love Winter Fest because it gives them a reason to go out, be with family and do something fun. 

Mayor of Fort St. John, Lilia Hansen, said events like Winter Fest are really important for Fort St. John.

She said: “They bring people together, support our mental and emotional wellbeing and remind us of the strength that comes from connection.

“These gatherings celebrate what makes our region unique and create shared memories that families carry with them for years.

“Winter Fest is more than a seasonal celebration. It’s part of what makes Fort St. John feel like home.”

Attendees could shelter from the cold at Festival Plaza, with a chilli giveaway by Manzer Environmental and Just Jacks, and free hot chocolate supplied by Altagas and Sippin’ Stable.

About 150 people showed up to savour the chilli, according to Hannah Ellis from Just Jacks.

She expressed: “People were really happy to come inside and warm up, that’s for sure. We are pretty happy people really liked it.” 

Rob Weatherbee and Mona Rendon, owners of Sippin’ Stable, told Energeticcity.ca they started the business last summer and this was their first big event in the winter.  

They shared via Facebook that the business served over 400 cups of free hot chocolate in just three hours. 

There are more Winter Fest events planned for the rest of February. Find out more using the City of Fort St. John’s calendar.