We had almost given up on winter this year, until this week.  Today, it's snowing on the pond, the ice is thickening up and we are hoping for temperatures in the 20's for Saturday's 3rd Annual Easthampton WinterFest.  Snow is predicted for Tuesday and Wednesday and temperatures drop on Thursday. We'll cross our fingers that the majority of our outdoor events will go off as planned.

Here are some fun WinterFest facts:

From an ice harvester's perspective . . . 

1. You can have plenty of ice, but it's the wrong kind to cut
2. If the ice is milky, it's a sign that it may be thin.
3. Too much snow on the ice (even thick ice) isn't good either.
4. They like being out in the cold for hours. 

 
From an ice carver's perspective . . .

1. They really like being out in the cold for hours too
2. Even if it's cold, if there's too much sun it can affect the quality of the block of ice

From a snow sculptor's perspective . . .

1. We need enough snow to pack a large form
2. Snow needs to be the packable type
3. Will it melt before we can use it?
4. Is it better to sculpt in advance or the day of an event?
5. They really like being out in the cold for hours too

From the horse's perspective

1. We are draft horses and LOVE to work
2. We love giving rides 
3. Really cold air can be very hard on our lungs so we are unable to work under those conditions.

From anyone making a snowman

1. We need enough snow
2. It needs to be the right kind of snow to build with

From an event planner's perspective

1. We worry about everything, realize we can't change anything

So there you have it.  

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton City Arts+, under the leadership of director Burns Maxey, continues to find innovative sources of funding to support arts and culture in this small city, especially within its Cottage Street Cultural District.
The group announced two new grants this week — one from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and another from the National Association of Realtors® through its local branch.
The "placemaking micro-grant" was made through the Realtor® Association of the Pioneer Valley. It will fund $2,200 for a new public art project at the Promenade Park at Nashawannuck Pond. The arts organization will release a request for proposals in February for an interactive art project.
A $5,000 matching grant from the state will boost projects within the Cottage Street Cultural District, including the third annual Winterfest (Feb. 13), public art, and other programs. The grant is part of $150,000 awarded statewide for designated cultural districts.
Easthampton's Cottage Street Cultural District was one of the first cultural districts to be recognized by the state. It's billed as place where visitors can find "down-to-earth funkiness" and an eclectic array of shops, galleries, and nightlife.
Easthampton City Arts+ was formed in 2005, and works to integrate arts, culture and community while revitalizing and protecting the city's cultural assets.

Mary Serreze can be reached at [email protected]

New to WinterFest this year is the addition of a Craft and Vendor Fair which will take place at Eastworks.  Applications are being accepted and vendors are encouraged to apply online.  The entry fee is $25. and proceeds support ongoing efforts to keep Nashawannuck Pond healthy for all to enjoy.

Eastworks is also the venue for the very popular People's Choice Chili Cook-Off, held in the Community Room.  For a $5. ballot, you can determine who will be the winner of this year's heated contest.  

Behind Eastworks, New City Brewery and Abandoned Building Brewery will be serving up some tasty winter brews and live music as part of WinterFest On Tap.  A portion of the proceeds from the day will be donated to WinterFest.  Also participating is Fort Hill Brewery located near Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary on Fort Hill Road.  WinterFest guests can enjoy a nature hike and stop by to sample a beer and catch the live band.

WinterFest has grown to nine (9) venues throughout the city this year.  It's safe to say there is no shortage of things to do on Saturday February 14th.  Here is a map of the day's activities.  It will be available at each venue.  Just ask a friendly  volunteer for a program. 

WinterFest could not happen without the support of local businesses and a great group of volunteers.  

We'd like to to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, including our Silver Sponsors, Easthampton Savings Bank, Northeast Solar and Williston-Northampton School for their very generous financial support.  Their support, along with a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council have made it possible to bring horse drawn wagon rides, our historical ice harvest demonstration, and costumed "Frozen" characters to our event.

It's not too late to volunteer! Check out how you can help here.

We have so many great activities planned for the 2nd Annual WinterFest, which will be on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2015. 

One of our goals for the event is to continue to make our activities free, or through a small donation, for families to enjoy. To accomplish this, we need community support.  

Please consider becoming a business or community sponsor.  Any donation is welcome.