‘Fingers crossed:’ Winter events hoping for snowfall

While the winter has seen its share of cold weather, Regina has been missing the snow and that’s causing headaches for organizers of some winter events.

Since September, Saskatchewan has only received about half of the normal moisture the province would normally receive.

Organizers of Waskimo, a winter festival that takes place on Regina’s Wascana Lake, have their fingers crossed for a dump of snow.

“We need some snow on the ice because the issue there for the sled dog races, for example, and the outhouse races, we can’t race on bare ice, we need some snow,” said Jim Aho, festival producer.

This year would mark the first time the sled dog races have been brought to Regina in 30 years.

While the event has many indoor events that will take place no matter what the weather may hold, there has been talks to bring in or create snow, but Aho said the cost is just too great for the festival.

Aho said they are also looking at alternate locations within Wascana Centre for the events, such as the outhouse races.

He said the organizers will decide what to do with the sled dog races about a week before the festival, which is slated for Feb. 19.

It’s not just the winter festival that’s dealing with a lack of snow.

Prairie Women on Snowmobiles is a non-profit organization that raises money for breast cancer research. The riders will decorate their sleds and dress in costumes as they travel to different communities during their annual ride.

Over the past four years, the organization has raised over $150,000 for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

Kelly Rea, president of the organization, said they have to plan their route in May of the previous year, and then hope that Mother Nature cooperates.

Rea said the sleds will still be going out but they will be hauled in a trailer and the ladies will be going around in a 17-person van.

“It’s unfortunate but can’t control Mother Nature yet so we still get our word out and that’s the important part.”

Over the 17-years the ride has been going on, they’ve had to find alternate ways to the communities due to a wide-variety of weather.

The ride will kick off in Regina at the Best Western Seven Oaks hotel on Feb. 3.