'Celebrate instead of hibernate': Icy outdoor bar opens at The Forks

Winnipeggers can now grab an ice cold one out on the ice at The Forks.

Thebeverage slinging officially began Wednesday on the frozen Assiniboine Riverwith the opening of the Festi-Bar on Ice. Chilly drinks like beercome in mugs made of ice, and hot chocolate is also available.

It's the first year for theoutdoor bar, which is hosted by Festival du Voyageur. The 10-day Franco-Manitobanwinter celebration turns 50 this year and gets underway Feb. 15.

Nicolas Audette, communications and marketing managerfor Festival du Voyageur, said the bar was a group effort involving The Forks and Sputnik Architecture.

"We wanted to get people outside and get people enjoying winter and just take this opportunity to celebrate instead of hibernate," said Audette. "Winnipeggers, we know tough winters but we don't hibernate, we celebrate."

Icy outdoor bar opens at The Forks

6 years ago

Duration 0:57

The Festi-Bar at The Forks opened Wednesday and serves a variety of warm and cold drinks, including beers in a pint glass made of ice.

It didn't take long for that invitation to travel around. A few dozen Winnipeggershuddled around outdoor fire pits at the bar opening.

Sputnik Architecture worked hard amid frigid temperatures last weekend so the bar could open in the lead up to the New Music Festival, which launches this weekend.

Staff at the architectural firmcutand sculptedchunks of ice from the riverinto pillars and other structures that make up the bar, said Audette.

TheFesti-Barwil be running as long as winter conditions hold.