Snowphy Trophy up for grabs in the Glebe
Snowman-building competition a part Winterlude’s Virtual festival this year
By Trevor Greenway
There are a few Canadian pastimes that can’t be beat during a cold, isolating winter – skating, playing hockey, skiing, snowboarding and, of course, building things out of snow.
If you’re like eight-year-old Maya Devlen, you’re a big fan of the latter, and you’ve been using all this time to practise for this year’s Snowphy Trophy Challenge to build the Glebe’s best snow creation during Winterlude this year.
“I had a lot of fun building my snow princess because I got to design it and I like princesses,” says the young Glebe resident who won last year’s contest for her first-ever snow princess during Snowmania, the Glebe’s official Winterlude event. “It was very Russian-themed, with a long braid, and my mom is Russian.”
Maya always wanted to build a snow princess, but there was never enough snow in her hometown in western Turkey. When her family immigrated to Canada in 2018, the first thing she did when there was enough snow was roll up three big balls to make a snowman. Last year, she turned the snow into her magical snow princess. The creation wowed judges at the Glebe BIA, and Maya was awarded a rock star prize pack from Kunstadt Sports, Lindt Chocolate and Cineplex. Her mom Lena says it’s something the family will never forget.
“We went to Cineplex just before the first lockdown,” says Lena. “So, it was extra memorable.”
Maya has built three snow people in her backyard this year, but she says she won’t enter any of them in the 2021 contest because “it would be nice for someone else to win this year.”
With the defending champion bowing out, this is your chance to get your name engraved on our coveted Snowphy Trophy. All you need to do is build the best snowman, woman, animal or creation and enter via social media by tagging @intheglebe and using the hashtag #snowphytrophy. Submissions can also be entered via email to trevorgreenway@intheglebe.ca. Not only will you be crowned champion and hold bragging rights for the entire year, you will also receive a cool prize box from Winterlude and your choice of a Glebe-branded hoodie or tee shirt.
With Winterlude going virtual this year because Ottawa is under a stay-at-home order until at least mid-February, the Snowphy Trophy Challenge is the perfect family activity to get everyone off the couch and outside for some winter fun in the Glebe.
“Challenge your neighbours, friends or family and see who has what it takes to be this year’s champion,” says Glebe BIA programming and events officer Chloe Park. “And be sure to check out what’s happening for the virtual Winterlude – from virtual shows to admiring the work of sculptors across the country, Canadian Heritage is putting on a great virtual festival.”
The 43rd edition of Winterlude kicks off virtually on February 5 at 7 p.m. on the Canadian Heritage YouTube channel. This year’s festival boasts virtual performances by artists Ariane Moffatt, William Prince, the NAC Orchestra, Canadian figure skater Elladj Baldé and more. Download the official Winterlude app on your smartphone and take in the whole festival. Join the conversation online as well using the hashtags #Winterlude and #BaldeNeige on social media.
You’ll also have a chance to vote in the Winterlude National Ice-Carving Competition as professional Canadian ice sculptors compete simultaneously in seven cities across the country. Check out the creations online on February 5 and vote for your top three favourites. Voting closes February 21 at noon.
Trevor Greenway is responsible for communications and membership at the Glebe BIA (Business Improvement Area).
