11th Annual Icefest returns to Bloor-Yorkville with “Expressions of Love” theme in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation

Inspired by Heart Month, Toronto’s premier cultural and shopping destination will showcase over 20,000 lbs. of ice sculpted into crystal clear expressions of amour

(Toronto) January 2016 – Celebrate winter with Bloor-Yorkville at the 11th Annual Icefest taking place on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21.

Inspired by Heart Month and the Valentine’s Day season, this year’s “Expressions of Love” theme will transform the neighbourhood into a magical showcase of 20,000 lbs. of crystal clear ice sculpted into iconic expressions of amour. Open to the public each day between Noon - 5 pm, the Village of Yorkville Park and Cumberland Street will be the hub of Icefest attractions. Patrons can expect to be dazzled by ice creations which will include an iconic LOVE sculpture, a giant tribute to world peace, an abstract couple embracing, a winter-themed heart, and a depiction of the ultimate love story – Romeo and Juliet.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing Bloor-Yorkville with these inspiring sculptures, and providing Toronto with a fun opportunity to enjoy the winter season with family and friends,” says Briar de Lange, Executive Director of the Bloor-Yorkville BIA. “Over the past decade, Icefest has raised $65,200 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and we are proud to continue supporting this important cause during Heart Month.”

With the help of participating partners and sponsors, Bloor-Yorkville will be raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation in recognition of February being Heart Month. For a small donation, children can look forward to “Ice Kiddie Cubes” with a surprise toy inside, and all visitors can indulge at the taffy station with proceeds going back to Icefest’s charitable partner.

On Saturday, February 20, the 16th Annual Sassafraz Ice Carving Competition will start at noon. Visitors are invited to the Village of Yorkville Park to see the action as blocks of ice are transformed into original ice sculptures, crafted on site by 12 of the most talented ice carvers in Ontario. Patrons can enter to win prizing by casting their vote for favourite ice sculpture between 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. The People’s Choice Sculpture will be announced at 5:15 p.m. that day. Two ice carving demonstrations will also take

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place Sunday, February 21.

Icefest is presented by the Bloor-Yorkville BIA with support from Gold sponsors Hudson’s Bay Centre and Silver sponsors Manulife Centre, Holt Renfrew Centre, TD and The Colonnade.

Follow @BloorYorkville on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #Icefest16

About Bloor-YorkvilleSince entrepreneur Joseph Bloor founded the Village of Yorkville in 1830, the heart and soul of Toronto has distinguished itself as the premier shopping, dining and cultural destination in the city. The Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood is bordered by Scollard Street to the north, St. Mary Street to the south, Avenue Road to the west and Church Street to the east. For the latest information on stores, events and parking please visit www.bloor-yorkville.com. Follow Bloor-Yorkville on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @BloorYorkville.

Media Contacts: Nathan Marchio, nathan@nkpr.net, 416-365-3630 ext. 243Yulia Balinova, yulia@nkpr.net, 416-365-3630 ext. 230

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