The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
West Woods to stage annual Frozen Fest
The Geauga Park District will present one of its signature snowy season celebrations — Frozen Fest — from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.
The event has grown so popular that organizers considered blending it with Chardon’s Winterfest because of its ever-increasing attendance, but opted to keep the two events separate before last year’s installment played out. In February 2016, the district reported more than 2,200 visitors attended.
Between that announcement, in October 2016, and last January, however, the decision was made to keep it at The West Woods, where it was held Jan. 15, 2017.
This year, the park district is adding another hour to the event, along with numerous new attractions, programs and plenty of parking, organizers confirm on the park district’s website.
“This annual family event consistently draws rave reviews and breaks attendance records, and organizers have added even more fun this year, including live reindeer, plus an extra hour of activities and even more shuttles buses from two overflow parking locations,” the park system’s online event page reads.
Activities and attractions include: • Live reindeer • Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff from “Frozen”
• Meet-n-greets throughout the venue: 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 12:45 to 1:15 p.m., 1:45 to 2:15 p.m., 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 to 4 p.m.
• Performances in the lobby: 11:30 to 11:45 a.m., 12:15 to 12:30 p.m., 1:15 to 1:30 p.m., 2:15 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.
• Meet-n-greets with sled dogs from the Siberian Husky Club of Greater Cleveland • Ornate face painting • Otter slides and tunnels indoor play feature
• Cheerio bird feeders make-n-take craft (indoors)
• “Hungry Owl on the Prowl” and “Snow Snakes” outdoor field games (weather permitting)
• Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies
• Ice carvings and demos by Elegant Ice Creations
• Winter wildlife display and touch table
• Free snowshoeing (weather permitting) • Explore a wigwam • A Kid at Art mobile art bus
• Self-guided winter hiking and Bird in the Hand Feeding Station activity
• Live music by the Oak Island Skunk Jumpers
• Food for sale by the Hunger Squad food truck and Classic Kettle Corn
• Nature-inspired art exhibit on display by Julie Cook and Hap Howle
• Winter themed merchandise and nature gifts for sale in the Tree Tops Nature Store
“The Nature Center is fully accessible. Due to the popularity of this event, however, strollers should be left outside,” the district advises. In addition, the district states that “The West Woods’ parking lots always fill quickly during Frozen Fest.
“Again, overflow parking locations will be located at ASM and Teague Plaza, equipped with even more free shuttles than last year.”