Modified: January 23, 2015 3:10pm
Free Family Winter Fun This Sunday 1/27 From 11am-4pm
Includes Outdoor Activities, Snow Sculpturing, Glenn Colton Concert
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Legislator John Mills (R-11th District), Parks Commissioner Troy Schinzel, and members of the Orchard Park Town Board and Recreation Department in announcing that Winterfest 2013 will be held at Chestnut Ridge Park on Sunday, January 27th from 11am – 4pm. This year’s event features a Glenn Colton concert from 11am – noon, as well as Western New York Mountain Bike Association (“WNYMBA”) mountain bike races; a snow sculpturing competition is also scheduled from 11am – 2pm, with judging at 2pm.
“Winterfest provides an excellent opportunity for families and friends to get outside and enjoy Chestnut Ridge Park during the winter,” said Poloncarz. “I encourage everyone to come out, enjoy some time on the sled hill or tobogganing, have fun with the kids at the concert, or try their hand at snow sculpturing or wood branding. There are lots of ways to have free family fun at Winterfest.”
“Now that the winter weather is here, I encourage families to come out and enjoy Chestnut Rideg park during Winterfest,” said Legislator Mills. “It will hopefully be a great day for tobogganing and sledding, two favorite activities at the park. With many events planned, both indoor and outdoor, it will be a great day for all ages.”
“I am excited and look forward to participating in Erie County’s Winterfest 2013, and I applaud County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Parks Commissioner Schinzel and their staff for all of their hard work,” said County Legislator Terrence D. McCracken (D-Lancaster, Depew, South Cheektowaga, Alden), chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. “As a veteran of working on municipal parks and recreation matters, I realize how people of all ages and walks of life can and will enjoy this outdoor celebration of winter and the fine county facilities available for their use.”
In addition to the activities above, Winterfest participants will be able to enjoy sledding, snow bowling, tobogganing, snowboarding, arts & crafts, wood branding, marshmallow roasting from 11 – 4. Hay rides are available from noon – 3pm for $3 per person.
“Orchard Park Recreation is very happy to partner again for the third consecutive year with Erie County in presenting the 2013 Winterfest,” said Ed Leak, Recreation Director for the Town of Orchard Park. “Showcasing Chestnut Ridge Park as one of the jewels in the County for outdoor family recreation is something all residents can be proud of. With the help of Mother Nature, this year’s Winterfest will be the best yet.”
Registration for the WNYMBA mountain bike races will take place from 11:30am – 12:45 pm, with the short race beginning at 1pm and the long race beginning at 1:40pm. The races will start and finish at the top of the 12-yr. old sled hill.
Presented by the Erie County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department in conjunction with the Orchard Park Recreation Department, sponsors for Winterfest 2013 include Wegman’s, Towne Auto, Dick’s, WBEN AM 930, Verizon, and Southtowns Radiology.
For more information on Erie County Parks, visit http://www2.erie.gov/parks/