Rideau Canal vendors crossing fingers for a cold Winterlude

As the skating season on the Rideau Canal sputters into gear, canal vendorsare crossing their fingersfor a smooth and steady ride throughWinterlude, with cold temperatures and big crowds.

"It's been an odd one. We're open late," said Grant Hooker, co-founder of BeaverTails."But that doesn't mean that the season won't go long. We just hope for three great weeksor 18 days I think it is of weather for Winterlude."

The annual winter celebration in the National Capital Region officially kicks off Friday, Jan. 29, and runs until Feb.15.

But the centrepiece of the festival, the Rideau Canal Skateway, has been hampered by erratic weather this season.

Milder temperatures so far this winterdelayed its opening until last weekend, and a brief thaw earlier this week caused a temporary closure. All of that hasput a freeze on any incoming profits for businesses that set up on the ice.

"It's like farming, you know? You get all ready, you hire your people, you train them, and then you just wait on the weather," added Hooker.

"The weather has been bad before. In fact, the latest opening was February 2nd. This is a pretty late opening. But on the other hand, if the weather's good from now on, the crops will grow, and we'll be happy farmers."

Frustration for first-time vendors

The long wait to get on the canal this yearhas been especially frustrating for first-time vendors like Caffeine Fix, a mobile espresso bar.

Owner Paul Davids was eager to begin his first Rideau Canal season, but hecouldn't get his trailer on the ice until Thursday, and that required some heavy machinery.

"It's been a lot of frustration. This is our third attempt now," Davidssaid."We were due to drive down the ramp out on to the ice and put in our trailer. But conditions were unfavourable for that, so we've had to be craned on."

But like his counterparts at BeaverTails, Davids hopesthislong delay will give way to a prolonged cold season.

"Let's just hope the canal is open every day for as long a season as it can be,and everyone can get down and enjoy the skating and have some beverages from us," he said.