Yellowknife (Mar 04/05) - This weekend a world of castles, magical moments and imagination beckons on Yellowknife Bay. Welcome, visitors, to the Snowking's world.

For only a few fleeting weeks every year, one can enter the ever-changing snow kingdom to experience the architecture and atmosphere only a true snow king could create.

Anthony Foliot, a.k.a. Yellowknife's SnowKing, is celebrating his 10th year of building the snow castle, which rises from the ice in medieval grandeur between Old Town and the Dettah ice road.

The annual SnowKing festival begins this weekend with a $3,000 Chinese fireworks display Friday at 8 p.m. in front of the castle.

"It's all free-form," Foliot said of the unique design of each castle.

For example, while Foliot has built columns on his castles before, he said this is the first time the front entrance has taken on such a Roman-inspired flavour.

He said this year's focus is on architectural detail.

Several small, yet kingly, ice sculptures highlight the interior. Outside the main castle, the royal ice rink is cleared and ready for skating.

A myriad of miniature monoliths transform the castle's surroundings into a mystical wonderland for young visitors.

The grand entrance through the front columns leads into a chapel to the left. For the fifth time in the festival's existence, a wedding will take place.

Adjacent to the chapel is the snowtel (snow motel) which features a barrel-vaulted ceiling, made with blocks that form arches.

The snowtel is accessible by a set of steps. It also has an aurora viewing deck where one can stand outside.

Growth in popularity

The popularity of the castle is growing each year, Foliot noted.

It is something like the SnowKing's castle that will attract thousands of tourists to Yellowknife from all over the world, he said.

"They've got to see something unique."

Foliot said of late, he has seen the work of several small proteges throughout town.

"There are junior snow kings in town. You can see a nice little snow castle in the front yards of a few homes.

"These kids are seeing the SnowKing build his castle and they want to do it," he said. "It's encouraging them to get outside and enjoy the winter."

There are three salaried workers helping the SnowKing complete his castle. The budget for the castle project is about $40,000.

Foliot said he is appreciative of the support given to the festival by the mayor and council.

One mythical creature that will be missing from this year's display is the giant snow dragon sculpture, which was the victim of vandals last year. Foliot said due to the expense and time involved in carving the snow creature, it was decided not to attempt the feat this year.

During the grand opening ceremony Friday, Foliot requests that people either walk down to the castle or drive onto the ice from the boat launch, not by way of the Dettah ice road.

But Foliot definitely wants to the public to visit his kingdom.

"Come out and celebrate winter. It's like a jewel. If you've never seen something like this, let's celebrate what our town has to offer."