The ice at the Aurora Ford Arena is out for another season, which signifies that spring is now officially here.

But there was one last chance for people to get out onto the rink and do their best to make it look colourful before it was melted down.

The townSA国际影视传媒檚 recreation department hosted the second annual Paint The Ice event on March 26, a week earlier than it was held last year. It was originally inspired by a similar event that happens every year in Red Deer, Alta., on the Family Day long weekend each February.

Courtney Fraser, the townSA国际影视传媒檚 recreation programmer, said this yearSA国际影视传媒檚 event saw around 140 people come out and draw or paint in some way, nearly double last yearSA国际影视传媒檚 attendance of 75.

SA国际影视传媒�(It) definitely seems to be gaining popularity in our community,SA国际影视传媒� she said.

Those who did come out to decorate the ice could draw anything they wanted, within reason, with all of the supplies provided by the town.

Fraser said something new this year was Paint The Ice Bingo, where participants were tasked with painting a variety of images, including local Hay River ice user group logos, in order to enter for a chance to win a family 10-punch pass that could be used for any town-organized activity.

Unlike last year, Fraser said there was no recognition of the townSA国际影视传媒檚 Arctic Winter Games (AWG) athletes this time.

The ice disappeared the following day, which gave way to the spring and summer recreation programming, she added.

SA国际影视传媒淥ur multi-sport equipment was set up on the ice surface over the Easter weekend,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淢ulti-sport drop-in officially opened at the Hay River Community Centre (April 3), with a variety of sports available, including basketball, ball hockey, soccer, badminton and pickleball.SA国际影视传媒�

It was a busy season for the ice surface this season with plenty of hockey among the events being held.

SA国际影视传媒淪ome highlights included hosting the Hi-Tek Hockey camp; the Hazard Hockey Showcase, where each Hay River Minor Hockey Association (HRMHA) age group played a game to showcase their skills; the AWG U15 hockey trials in December and the AWG U15 hockey training camp in February; HRMHA home tournaments and the Hay River Figure Skating Club Skating Carnival,SA国际影视传媒� said Fraser.

The ice is scheduled to return around October for the new season.

SA国际影视传媒擝y Amanda Rumbolt