Saskatoon's Frosted Gardens underway after warm weather delay

The Delta Bessboroughgardens havebeen transformed into a winter wonderland despite a delay caused by Saskatoon's recentwarm weather.

Frosted Gardens artistic director Peter Fogarty said after days with warm temperatures and sun-filled skies the carving exhibit sculptures were becoming puddles.

"It was a little rough. It was cold to begin with and then once we started carving, then all of a sudden, we just all of sudden had a huge heat wave that came through," he said.

"The heat isn't too bad during the day but the direct sun, and again Saskatchewan is known for its sunshine, and we got blasted with an awful lot of sunshine."

• Warm weather causes havoc at Saskatoon's Frosted Gardens ice sculpture festival

He said they spent days protecting the ice with tarps and wood. Two artists from Lithuania and one from Japan worked overnight throughout the weekend to make sure their sculptures survived.

Fogarty said in the end a few pieces were lost, but they will be creating new ones throughout the festival.

"We are at the mercy of the weather," he said.

With the dipping temperatures and overcast skies, the winter fun has finally begun. There is a 22-metre double ice slide, a nine-hole mini golf course, an icy basketball hoop, ring toss, and even a giant tic-tac-toe game.

There is a 75-foot double ice slide at the Frosted Gardens in Saskatoon.

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Despite warm temperatures delaying their opening, the Frosted Gardens are now underway.

Also new this year is the Sugar Shack, where people can make maple sugar treats.

A sculpture byDoug Lingelbach has been dedicated to the community of La Loche, Sask., and the families impacted by a recent shooting.

The Frosted Gardens eventruns until Feb. 19.