COVID-19 concerns have led to the complete cancellation of the 25th annual Snowking鈥檚 Winter Festival.
Anthony 鈥淪nowking鈥� Foliot shared the news in a video posted to Facebook Tuesday afternoon, just hours after organizers vowed to forge ahead with day events based on recommendations from Dr. Kami Kandola, the territory鈥檚 chief public health officer.
Following Kandola鈥檚 lead, the festival scaled back its hours over the weekend, ending all nighttime events as NWT鈥檚 top doctor urged social distancing and self-isolation for recent travellers.
The castle courtyard was kept open between noon and 5 p.m. With no programming, admission fees were waived, and guests were asked to make whatever donations they could.
But with new recommendations from Canada鈥檚 top medical officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, Foliot said the festival board was forced to make the tough call in shutting down the snow castle for the season.
Canada's top doctor has recommended cancelling all events with 50 people or more in attendance.
鈥淲e wanted to stay open, but we can鈥檛,鈥� said Foliot, thanking Yellowknifers for their support.
"(Tam) is requiring everybody to shut down."
https://www.facebook.com/snowkingwinterfestival/videos/300087254302546/
The festival, which was forced to end early last year due to warm weather, was set to run until the end of the month.
There are still no confirmed COVID-19 cases in the NWT.
鈥淪ee you next year,鈥� said Snowking.
