Plenty of Family Fun at North Adams WinterFest Saturday

It's time for North Adams' 23rd Annual WinterFest Celebration. A full lineup of indoor and outdoor, free, family-friendly activities will be going on this Saturday.

Some of the highlights include Ice Carving on Main and Eagle Streets and Fun in the Snow at Colegrove Park from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., weather permitting. From 10-3 be sure to check out the Farmers Market in its new spot, 81 Main St. This year's Crafters & Artisan Market will be at 49 Main St., also from 10-3.

It wouldn't be WinterFest without the Chowder Cook-off from Noon-2 at The Green, 85 Main St. Free samplings of delicious "chowdahs" from this year’s competitors will be served so you can vote for your favorite. Over a dozen entries, including several new ones, are expected, so come ready to chow(der) down. Pro tip: don't expect just regular clam chowder, since one of the awards will be for the unique "Only in North Adams" entry.

On this morning's Community Insight, Director of Tourism & Community Events Suzy Helme listed this year's expected chowder chefs:

The First Baptist Church will host a Children’s Winter Carnival from 11– 1. There's also hot cocoa & cookies at MountainOne at 93 Main from 10-Noon, a Community Campfire blazing away on Holden St., and free horse-drawn wagon rides on Main St., starting in front of MountainOne from 1 to 3 P.M.

Just off the downtown area, at 69 Union St. J Star Gymnastics will host a free Open Gym from 11:30– 1:30. The day winds down with another annual tradition: Free ice skating & skate rentals at the city's Peter W. Foote Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink from 2 - 4.

There will be maps and signs and eye-catching balloon sculptures all around downtown to guide you on Saturday. Complete info can be found online, the WinterFest Facebook page or by calling 413-664-6180.