The Belleville Downtown District BIA and Quinte Arts Council are teaming up with the community to try and brighten people’s spirits in the middle of winter.
Belleville resident Jeff Wildgen is also helping to spearhead the Moira Magic initiative, which is seeing unique ice sculptures and snow lanterns being placed along the edge of the Moira River in the city’s downtown and lit up at night.
Downtown District Executive Director Marijo Currier says Wildgen is encouraging residents and local artists to get involved as well.
“He’s encouraging them to build their own ice sculptures at home, or come down and use the pails that are left beside the trail and make some snow lanterns. Then on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this weekend, he and a couple of other people will light them all, and people can wander down and look at them at their leisure.”
She added that with the city and HPE area set to ease some COVID-19 restrictions, it seemed like a fitting time to launch the project.
“Considering restrictions are lifted a little bit, it’s Valentine’s and we’ve got some beautiful snowy nights coming, it’s a good way to celebrate and keep everybody safe at the same time.”
In a media release Tuesday, the Downtown District BIA says “the idea is loosely based on a Japanese tradition, to create packed snow lanterns and whimsical ice sculptures helping to illuminate cities and towns. They will eventually melt, but their melting shapes and forms only add to the visual treat.”
You can find out how to build your own snow lanterns or ice sculptures and get more information, by clicking here.
