Snow boosts fun at Addison’s Winter Fest

Friday’s snowstorm might have caused some headache-inducing moments for suburban commuters, but folks at the Addison Park District couldn’t have been happier about it.

The storm ensured that a nice blanket of white stuff would be around for the park district’s second annual Winter Fest, which took place Sunday at Community Park.

“Yeah, we were thrilled,” said Darlene Schmidt, the park district’s active adult coordinator. “Instead of a rain dance, we’d all been doing a snow dance. Thank heavens it worked.”

Winter Fest, a free event, included a host of both indoor and outdoor activities. Those looking to stay out of the winter chill enjoyed face painting, a magic show with Ronald McDonald, bingo games and more.

Outside, attendees took horse-drawn wagon rides, played snow volleyball or went sledding one of the park’s snow hills.

“It’s a great way to spend a winter afternoon,” resident Carlos Garcia said as his two children carried their sleds up the hill. “The kids are always looking for something to do this time of year.”

Schmidt said the park district launched the Winter Fest last year as a way to break up the post-holiday winter blahs.

“January and February can be slow months, so we thought it would nice to offer a big free event to residents,” she said. “I’m delighted with today’s response.”

Last year’s event was held in early February, and it rained on the day of the fest. That was a big reason the park district decided to hold this year’s fest a bit earlier.

“We thought we were pretty safe this year, but then it looked like it could rain on us again,” Schmidt said. “But it worked out for us. We hope this is an event that will just keep getting bigger and better.”