Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, along with Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Daniel J. Rizzo 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 28 from 11 AM - 4 PM. The free, annual event offers 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. We know how to make the most of the cold weather and I encourage residents to come out and enjoy this ninth annual Winterfest to 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 J. Rizzo added, “The weather so far this year has been conducive to cold-weather pursuits and we are expecting good attendance and lots of fun at Winterfest this weekend. It’s a great opportunity to join up with family and friends to enjoy some memorable outdoor experiences.”

Other activities at WinterFest include magic shows at 11:30 AM and 1 PM, fishing demonstrations provided by the Southtowns Walleye Association, chain saw carving demonstrations, and hay rides ($5 per adult, $3 per child). All snow-related activities (sledding, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow sculpture contest) are weather permitting.

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/

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