Gearing up for Winter Fest
34th annual Winter Festival at Grafton Lakes State Park set for Jan. 26
CROPSEYVILLE, N.Y. >> As snow falls in the elevated regions of Rensselaer County, the Grafton Lakes community is gearing up for its annual Winter Festival.
The 34th annual Winter Festival, presented by Grafton Lakes State Park and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park, is scheduled 10 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the park. The event is free and open to the public.
“Winter Fest showcases all the park has to offer in this snowy season, plus some fan- tastic extras,” said Liz Wagner of Grafton Lakes State Park. “When snow misses the Capital Region, we often have plenty to play in up here so it’s a wonderful chance for outdoor recreation every day of the Winter, including on Winter Fest.”
Snowshoe demos, guided hikes, snowmobile rides, dog sled rides, and the popular Polar Plunge are just some of the seasonal outdoor activities attendees can enjoy at Winter Fest 2019.
Winter Fest organizers also partner with several community organizations to provide event- goers fun exhibits and information.
For the first time, this portion of the festival will be housed in the park’s new Welcome Center, which opened last summer.
“Our new welcome center is now open throughout the year, and we are thrilled to show it off for this event,” Wagner said. “For Winter Fest, we will have exhibitors from conservation groups to the Five Rivers Environmental Education on site, live birds of prey, a fire in the outdoor fire pit, and hot chili for sale too!”
A family-friendly event, organizers said Winter Fest aims to have something for people of all ages.
“Kids can enjoy the snow- ball throwing contest and snowshoe races, or getting pulled on a sled by big fluffy Newfoundland,” Wagner said. “Adults and kids alike can borrow snowshoes for an adventure on the trails or take a carriage ride through Grafton’s winter woods. Plus the Polar Plunge kicking off the event at 10:30 a. m. is a blast, whether you participate or just watch the big splash from shore.”
To organizers, Winter Fest is all about getting attendees outside and enjoying the park.
“Our mission is to connect people with the park all year round for healthy activities and outdoor fun,” Wagner said.
“We can cure cabin fever and get the kids off the couch and off of screens for the day, too!”
Now a 34- year- old local tradition, Winter Fest has become a beloved way for the community to celebrate winter, and a group dedicated volunteers are to thank, said Wagner, who is looking forward to another great year. “Winter Fest is possible because of over 80 volunteers who join us for the day to lead activities and offer exhibits, a wonderful group of community busi- nesses who sponsor the cost of the event, and all the fantastic people who join us for the day to celebrate winter.”
Registration for this year’s Polar Plunge, a benefit for Our Lady of the Snow Parish’s food pantry, is still open. Those who would like a shirt are encouraged to register by Jan. 14. To pre-register, call Ray Dozois for more information at 518663- 5648, or call the park office at 518-279-1155.
In addition to the upcoming 34th Annual Winter Festival, Grafton Lakes State Park will host its yearly Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday, Jan. 19., the weekend before.
More information about this event is available online at www.nysparks.com or by calling the park at 518-279-1155.