Thousands attend Waskimo revival in Regina

After being idle for 14 years, the Waskimo festival was brought back to Regina for Family Day. 

The day was full of activities for anyone to take part in, including an indoor kids carnival, skating on Wascana Lake and ice sailing.

New since 2003 was the game of cricket being played on ice.

President of the Cavaliers Cricket Club in Regina, Richard Singh, said the game on ice makes for a little more fun.

“This is the first time this has ever happened on the lake,” said Singh. “I’m born and raised in Saskatchewan, so I’ve been to lots of Waskimo’s and it’s never been done, so I contacted the organizer and put this together.”

Although she didn’t participate, Karen Maxwell enjoyed watching the game nearby.

The Cavaliers cricket team are showing off their skills of snow cricket! A player tells me the slush makes it more fun! #yqr @WaskimoRegina pic.twitter.com/NLdeUZsFGC

— Jessika Guse (@JessikaGuse) February 20, 2017

 
“I’m just going to be an observer, these guys are really good and know what they’re doing,” said Maxwell with a hint of laughter.

She said she’s never been to Waskimo before, having moved to Regina only 10 years ago, but wanted to see what it was all about out of curiosity.

Maxwell added that she volunteers a lot in her spare time, and could see all of the hard work volunteers did to put on the festival.

“It’s been gone for so long, and I just think that people put a lot of hard work into it,” said Maxwell. “People should come out and support it, it’s a lot of work to put something like this on.”

Waskimo first started back in 1975 and had a 14-year hiatus due to the “big dig” that made Wascana Lake bigger.

It’s estimated more than 5,000 people took part in the full day of festivities.

.@WaskimoRegina is packed for this beautiful family day! Lots to expirience on Wascana Lake! #yqr pic.twitter.com/DuZt99lVnW

— Jessika Guse (@JessikaGuse) February 20, 2017