Every year has its challenges when it comes to building YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 Snow Castle. It was no different the 29th time around.

Warmer weather than usual from last fall all the way into the start of 2024 proved a little concerning, said Shane Clark, a volunteer board member.

SA国际影视传媒淚t even rained for a day and a half at the end of January,SA国际影视传媒� he chuckled.

Any stress there surrounding the castle gradually melted, however, juxtaposed with FebruarySA国际影视传媒檚 early snowfall.

SA国际影视传媒淚t was timely. Just perfect,SA国际影视传媒� said Clark.

By the end of the month, the attraction was complete, and the masses congregated at the site.

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e probably looking at record or near-record numbers for people attending,SA国际影视传媒� Clark said, explaining thereSA国际影视传媒檚 no exact final count yet.

On the entertainment side, this year was the second time running for nighttime performances. Between Covid, and the castleSA国际影视传媒檚 infamous flood SA国际影视传媒� as he puts it SA国际影视传媒� back in 2019, it made this year a little extra special.

SA国际影视传媒淭he atmosphere all around was just a big celebration of back to regular, festival fun,SA国际影视传媒� Clark said. He added the festival ended on a high note with the great meltdown on Friday, after running from March 2-29.

SA国际影视传媒淭he great hall there was just packed. I think there was upwards of 300 people in there for the final show. It went off with a bang.SA国际影视传媒�

It seems the skySA国际影视传媒檚 the limit for YellowknifeSA国际影视传媒檚 Snow Castle, with Clark adding that the number of sponsorships this year by far exceeded past ones.

Apart from becoming a city staple, he attributes the castleSA国际影视传媒檚 growth to the fun factor.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a fun thing to be a part of. And so whether youSA国际影视传媒檙e a builder or performer, or one of the dozens of supportive corporate sponsors that are out there, I think people just enjoy being associates with the festival,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Clark added that the castle was one of the few events to stick around during the pandemic, adding to its importance.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 just something that persevered and kept going, year after year.SA国际影视传媒�

For Clark personally, he said heSA国际影视传媒檚 just here to help out. Both he and his kids, who are now in their 20s, grew up experiencing this festival. The payback from being a board member, he said, is seeing the smiles among visitors.

SA国际影视传媒淢y oldest is 29, the same age as the castle,SA国际影视传媒� Clark said, speaking about his children. SA国际影视传媒淭heySA国际影视传媒檝e all been there, year after year. ISA国际影视传媒檝e enjoyed it on many different levels.SA国际影视传媒�

Marking 30 years of Snow Castle building in 2025 will be quite the milestone.

SA国际影视传媒淐oming off this year that was so successful, I donSA国际影视传媒檛 think the board is looking at big changes, but certainly ensuring that year 30 is another memorable one,SA国际影视传媒� said Clark.