Addison ready to celebrate Winterfest
With cold, snow, ice and lack of sunlight conspiring to create cases of cabin fever, Addison Park District is coming to the rescue with its annual Winterfest celebration.
The annual respite from the winter doldrums is set to bring a welcome diversion for families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13.
"No matter if it's snow or no snow, we're going to have activities inside and outside," said Danielle Strohmier, the district's marketing and communications supervisor.
Winterfest is open to all and there's no charge for admission to the event, which will be held in Community Park, 120 E. Oak St., and inside the Community Recreation Center.
Outdoors, free horse-drawn hay wagon rides will carry visitors along the park's walking trails.
If there's enough snow, the sled hill will become a competitive arena.
"We will have sled races that are weather dependent and it's bring your own sled," Strohmier said.
"If there is snow, we will do snow golf," said Adam Vasquez, the district's rental and special event supervisor.
A fire pit will warm those who brave the outdoors.
"We will also have a s'more station outside," Vasquez said.
The park district will supply all the ingredients needed to make s'mores: chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows for toasting, Strohmier said.
Indoors, there will be carnival games for children, Strohmier said, along with three inflatable bounce houses where kids can work off bottled-up, excess energy. she said. Adults, meanwhile, can compete for prizes at indoor bingo games.
And a less soggy version of a favorite winter activity will be presented in the gym.
"There is an indoor snowball fight using fake snowballs," Vasquez said.
The park district will provide several craft projects for children. And for those into artistically adorning edible treats, there will be pre-made cookies ready for decorating with icing and sprinkles.
The cookie-decorating station has been a popular draw in years past.
Hot chocolate, hot dogs, nachos, soft drinks and chili will be available for purchase for prices ranging from $1 to $5.
Strohmier said a movie will be shown at the recreation center. Visitors may stop by for a portion of the day or stay for the entire two-hour event.
"Families are welcome to show up when they want," she said. "I know it's one of our bigger attended events. It's just a fun, family winter event for people to come out to and it's free."