Opening of Winterlude 2013

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, took part in the opening ceremony of Winterlude, at Marion Dewar Plaza at Ottawa City Hall. Here we see the Rink of Dreams where visitors can skate.

Among the people who took part in the event were, from left to right, Mr. Chang-Hee Lee, Mayor of Jinju, in South Korea; Ms. Madeleine Meilleur, Ottawa-Vanier MPP; His Worship Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa; Mr. Jean-François Trépanier, CEO of the National Capital Commission; and Mr. Russell Mills, Chair of the National Capital Commission. The MC for this event was Mr. Yaovi Hoyi.

The theme of light was important throughout the presentation. Balls of light were passed form person to person.

Mayor Jim Watson delivered remarks. He invited all Ottawa resident to hug a tourist to warm them up!

Northwest Territories artist Leela Gilday braved the cold to give a warm performance.

The Governor General "shared the light" with a Nunavut Sivuniksavut group Youth artist.

"The light of Winterlude, expressed in the stunning displays here at City Hall and inside all of us, will last far longer than the festival itself. Let us hold on to the season as we would hold on to a loved one."

"Let us treasure this time and always remember that the wind chill is no match for the warmth of Canadians. Have a safe, joyful, fun and, most of all, magical time at this year’s Winterlude!"

The multi-sensory evening featured musical performances, aerial dancers, interactive projections, a public art illumination display, pyrotechnic effects and a DJ dance party with Ottawa’s own A Tribe Called Red.