Waterbury’s Winterfest RETURNS! Ten days of fun winter activities! Opening day is this Friday, January 17, at 10 AM and continues through January 26, with 40 plus events and activities for all ages.
It’s never too cold to come out to play! Winterfest has something for everyone to either watch or try: delightful morning and afternoon cross-country skiing and snowshoeing sessions with free lessons and demonstrations; XC-ski races; snow fort building contests, hockey and basketball games, ice and snow sculpting; winter mountain biking; sledding and skiing parties; broomball for fun and competition. Singing and acting around town; and dancing with Still Kickin’ at the beautiful Country Club of Vermont. Many, many more events generously supported by The Alchemist and other local businesses.
The goal of Winterfest is to provide a venue for people to come out and enjoy winter with others from across the community and beyond. Visitors will get a chance to experience what Waterbury has to offer. Proceeds will be used to expand Waterbury Recreation opportunities and support economic growth in our community. Here are the first two days events
January 17th, Friday
10 AM – 4 PM: Free Snowshoe Demonstration; CC Outdoor Store, Route 2. Try on a pair of snowshoes and learn the basics of snowshoeing. Explore the difference between different bindings and traction designs at CC Outdoor Store, 438 US RT 2, in the old red farm building with the twin white silos. Drop in between 10 AM and 4 PM for free Demo snowshoe loan. Or reserve your shoes for a specific date and time via email: info@ccoutdoorstore.com. Free demos will be available on Jan 17, 21, and 23 and by arrangement for all Winterfest Snowshoe Tours.
5 – 7 PM: Ice Carving Demonstration. Come visit Axel’s Gallery & Frame Shop on Stowe Street where Chris & Heidi Fish, ice carvers from Northwoods Ice Craft and co-owners of The Blue Stone will carve a one of a kind ice sculpture for Winterfest. Questions and photos are encouraged. The evening will conclude with an 8’ tall ice sculpture celebrating the Waterbury Winterfest, our Title Sponsor, the Alchemist and Vermont winter sports!
5-8 pm: Beer Tasting, Elm St. ‘Nuff said!
January 18th, Saturday
10 AM – 4 PM: Snow Sculpture Contest; Ice Center Grounds. At least two GIANT 6ft. x 6ft. x 6ft. blocks of snow are being created just outside the Ice Center. Forms will be removed before 10:00 AM on Saturday to reveal blocks ready for carving. A team may include any number of people with any manner of tools. Carving may continue throughout the week with final touches on sculptures Saturday Jan. 25 from 2 PM to 4 PM. Judges will review sculptures from 4 to 5 PM. Winners will be announced at the Winterfest Dance and at the Closing Ceremonies.
2 PM – 4 PM: Perry Hill Snowshoe Tour; Meet at Ice Center parking lot. Explore the trails of Perry Hill on this moderate 2-hour snowshoe adventure. Expect good company, steep but short climbs, and beautiful scenery. Free Demo snowshoe loan available via email: info@ccoutdoorstore.com.
5 PM: Ice Center Hockey. Winterfest rooters encourage everyone to attend the Harwood Hockey and Basketball games to cheer on the home team! Watch the Harwood Varsity Hockey double-header at the Ice Center with the girls facing off against BFA of St. Albans followed by the boys taking on Milton at 7 PM.
6 PM – 9 PM: Skating Party and Bonfire; Rec Center Outdoor Skating Rink. Bonfire starting at 7:00. Enjoy a Night of Skating under the lights as we Celebrate Winterfest with our Annual Bonfire of roaring Christmas Trees. Cocoa & cookies will be served as you get warm by the Fire then back on the Ice for more Skating as the Winter's Night reminds you why you Love Vermont!
For day-to-day event details and on-line registration forms go to www.wtrbry-winterfest.org or phone Chad Ummel, Waterbury Recreation Director at 244-7174.
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