For the first time in two years, a winter festival returned to Wascana.

The Wascana Winter Festival returned over the Family Day long weekend.

Kolene Gustafsson, a festival spokesperson, said other than some cold weather, she felt the two-day event went great.

“We did have a bit of extremely cold weather, but that didn’t scare folks away,” she said. “Our sleigh rides were sold out Sunday and Monday, and we had some curling activities, and the family staking and cross country skiing.”

Gustafsson said it felt refreshing to see families enjoying the festival once again.

“Nice to see smiling faces, and I think people are ready to be engaged in activities and community events again.”

She added that they weren’t sure what to expect with the cold weather and COVID, but this year’s festival exceeded anything they were expecting.