Winterfest got off to a great start Friday evening with Lt. Gov. Phil Scott doing the honors by cutting, with a chain saw, the ice ribbon in front of Axel’s Frame Shop on Stowe St. created by ice carver and co-owner of the Blue Stone, Chris Fish.
Come out this weekend and join all your neighbors for a host of great winter activities for children of all ages!
UPDATE: January 18, outdoor conditions remain tricky due to the warm spell. Winterfest organizers have juggled the schedule. Here are the latest changes:
The morning cross-country ski event is CANCELLED due to icy conditions at Dac Rowe Park.
The Bill Koch League Nordic ski races for today are CANCELLED.
The backcountry ski outing on Perry Hill is POSTPONED to NEXT Saturday.
The Vermont National Guard snowshoe obstacle course and rappelling demonstrations at the Ice Center are POSTPONED until NEXT Saturday.
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 have been created just outside the Ice Center. Forms will be removed before 10 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 Annual Bonfire; Rec Center Outdoor Skating Rink. Bonfire starting at 7 PM.
Skating conditions are iffy but we will try to 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!
January 19th, Sunday
9 AM: 5K Fun Run. Thatcher Brook Primary School.
The Winterfest Fun Run will be a timed 5K run through Waterbury Village, including 14 challenging left turns and 11 easy rights. Open to all ages and abilities, registration starts at 8:30 at Thatcher Brook Primary School lobby at 47 Stowe St. Each runner will receive a Winterfest bracelet with a suggested donation of $5 and on-line pre-registration (www.wtrbry-winterfest.org) is encouraged. The race starts at 9 am sharp in all weather conditions. Results and runner recognition will be after the race finishes at TBPS at 10:30.
10 AM: Broom Ball. Rec Center Outdoor Skating Rink. The first of this Winterfest’s TWO Family Broomball Tournaments! This is a repeat of last year's successful event and Teams for this event need to register in advance.
Broomball is similar to hockey but without skates; played with 5 people and a goalie on the ice. Players wear their own boots/shoes. We provide the goals, sticks and balls.
To register for the January 19th Parent/Child/Coed/pick-up Family Broomball Tournament, call 802-345-5728 or email waterbury.winterfest@gmail.com
1 PM – 2 PM: Community Snowshoe; Dac Rowe Park. Join your neighbors for an easy, hour-long meander along the Winooski River through Waterbury Village. This event starts at Dac Rowe field at 1 pm. Beginners welcome! Free snowshoe loans are available for this event. Please pick up 30 minutes prior to the event at CC Outdoor Store, 1 mile west of Dac Rowe field. Free Demo snowshoe loan available via email: info@ccoutdoorstore.com.
5 PM to 8 pm; Ice Center Exhibitions. Bring your skates and come marvel at a menagerie of ice sports at this free Ice Center event. Waterbury’s cutest little hockey players will start the show followed by exhibitions by local figure skaters, speed skaters, curlers and handicapped sled hockey players. Waterbury’s hockey All-Stars will then face-off against the handicapped sled players. Mingle with the exhibitioners and try their sports during public skates. Rental skates are available. 7:30 PM, awards ceremony, part of the Ice Center Exhibitions.
5:30 PM; Empty Bowls Fundraiser; Waterbury Congregational Church. Enjoy a bowl of soup, support the Waterbury Food Shelf, and take home a handmade bowl. Costs are: $20 for a handcrafted bowl and meal, $10 for additional adults. Kids eat free with the purchase of one bowl for the family.
This simple supper featuring a variety of soups donated by local restaurants, homemade rolls, fruit salad, and desert. All proceeds benefit the Waterbury Food Shelf. Info: lesley@waterburyucc.com or 244-6606.

Schedule updates will be made each morning based on weather and conditions. All event details, times, locations, are on the Winterfest website and WDEV AM (550 on your dial) will broadcast the “Winterfest Minute” daily at 7:45 AM, 12:50 PM, and 4:55 PM. Waterbury Winterfest is on Facebook too.
Please check the website before heading out to an event!
Remember, a $5 Winterfest bracelet gets you discounts and special offers at many local shops and restaurants during Winterfest.
Stop by Bridgeside Books, KC’s Bagels, Stowe Street Emporium, or BGB Salon to pick one up. Then be sure to visit Waterbury’s local shops and eateries.
Winterfest couldn’t happen without the support of many local sponsors. The Alchemist Brewery is Winterfest’s title sponsor.

Oct 24, 2024, 9 AM to 11:30 PM

Oct 28, 2024, 6 to 7:30 PM

Oct 29, 2024, 6:30 to 7:30 PM