The Forks expected to attract 20K visitors on Louis Riel Day
Thousands of Manitobans were off for Louis Riel Day and many of them went to the Forks to take in all the festivities.
At ice level, a soccer game broke out. Festival du Fùtbol Glacé is a unique mix of soccer and a traditional voyageur game, using a faux fur-covered ball. It’s an event in honour of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015.
CBC meteorologist John Sauder said the high on Monday was expected to be –13 C, but the cold didn't bring the soccer game to a halt.
"When you're outside playing, it gets a lot nicer because you run around and it's really nice," said 16-year-old Taylor Place, an avid soccer player.
"It's better than staying at home. You get outside and enjoy the nice weather today, it's really good."
People were invited to join the Old Time Skate, dressed up in 1900s-era clothing and skating along the Red River Mutual Trail.
If you got a bit chilly while skating in your best tweed, you could always warm up at the Rendezvous on Ice and take in some traditional food and music while sitting by the outdoor fire.
And if you're not much of a skater, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the trail. Cyclist Greg Krenz doesn't let anything stop him from biking year-round, and on Monday, he was biking on the river.
"It's an excellent way to celebrate Louis Riel, to get outside and enjoy all the best that Manitoba has to offer," he said.
On higher ground, visitors were invited to partake in free hot chocolate to warm their souls. Inside The Forks, people were treated to traditional jigging and fiddle playing.
Ryan Spence, an 11-year-old fiddle player, and his nine-year-old jigging sister, Clarissa, entertained a crowd inside The Forks market.
Ryan Spence, a Stanley Knowles student, recognizes the name behind the holiday is important.
"He's the father of Manitoba, he fought for the rights of the Métis, it's pretty awesome," he said.
Even people who had to work at The Forks on Monday aren't complaining. Zamboni driver Patrick Jordan doesn't mind working.
"It's a great day to work, beautiful day, lots of people on the trail," he said.
"The Forks has become a place for winter activities. We've spent the entire season embracing the weather and encouraging people to get outside. Winter is worth spending outside and the Forks is just the place to do it," said Chelsea Thomson, manager of marketing and communications with The Forks North Portage Partnership.
Officials with The Forks were expecting at least 20,000 people to visit on Monday.
