Free Family Event Features Fireplaces, Food, Winter Fun at Historic Chestnut Ridge

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, along with Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel Rizzo, Erie County Legislature Chairman John Mills, and members of the Orchard Park Department of Recreation and Chestnut Ridge Conservancy has announced the return of WinterFest to Chestnut Ridge this Sunday, January 24 from 11 AM - 4 PM. The free, annual event offers sledding and tobogganing (weather permitting but snow needed), cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other seasonal activities along with marshmallow roasting, arts and crafts, hay rides, and much more. The Chestnut Ridge Park casino will be open, with warming fireplaces and food available for sale.

“WinterFest provides great seasonal fun at the crown jewel of our Erie County parks system and is a good way for families and friends to enjoy free winter fun. We know how to make the most of the cold weather and I encourage residents to come out and make some great memories this year,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I want to thank Commissioner Rizzo, our Parks staff and their partners for once again cooperating to make this wonderful event happen.”

Parks Commissioner Daniel Rizzo added, “Chestnut Ridge Park has been the site of extensive renovations, repairs and investments over the past few years, and visitors will be pleased with what they see when they come out to enjoy WinterFest. The park looks beautiful, and I would like to thank our partners for their assistance in showcasing it again this year.”

Other activities at WinterFest include a snow sculpture contest (judging at 2 PM), and magic shows at 11:30 AM and 1 PM.

“Winter arrived a little late this year but it was just in time for WinterFest and there will be many activities for families to enjoy. I encourage everyone to attend WinterFest, dress warm and be safe,” said Erie County Legislature Chairman John Mills. 

Director of Recreation & Youth Activities for the Town of Orchard Park Ed Leak added, "Orchard Park Recreation is once again honored to be asked to collaborate with Erie County in putting on the 7th annual Winterfest. The incredible success of this event is another example of how working together for the common enjoyment of the citizens in Erie County adds to its quality of life.”

WinterFest is sponsored by the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry along with Erie County Legislator John Mills, the Town of Orchard Park Department of Recreation, the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Verizon, Towne Auto, Wegmans, Southtowns Radiology, WBEN 930 AM, and West Herr Automotive.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/