Addison’s WinterFEST encourages families to get out, get moving

Santa came and went. The new year has clearly been rung in. It’s too soon to think about the Easter bunny.

Now what?

Addison Park District provides the party solution to the post-holiday lull with its second annual WinterFEST from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at Community Park, 120 E. Oak St.#147;After all the holiday activities, there seems to be a lull of events and WinterFEST seemed like a really good fit for the community,#148; said Deb Pfaff, Addison Park District#146;s marketing and communications coordinator. #147;It seemed to be a good time of year to bring people outdoors and enjoy the weather because weather can be unpredictable here in the Midwest.#148; This year, the fest takes place in January #8212; moved up a month to hopefully take advantage of a nice snowfall to accentuate the events, Pfaff said. If there#146;s snow, outdoor events will include a snow volleyball tournament, a family snowman building contest, sledding, snow shoeing and ice skating. Other outdoor activities include horse drawn wagon rides, ice skating and a s#146;mores roasting station. Indoor activities include cookie decorating, a craft table, a magic show by Ronald McDonald, bingo and family games such as tug-of-war. Ever-popular bounce houses and an obstacle course aim to let kids run off some of that energy stored up from being indoors. #147;There#146;s something for kids of all ages,#148; Pfaff said. #147;Come hungry because there will be plenty of food.#148; Food options include an endless bowl of chili for $5. If there#146;s snow, families may bring their own snowman accessories. Regardless of presence or amount of the powdery white stuff, carriage rides and s#146;mores roasting will take place. #147;It#146;s just fun at this time of year to come out of the house into the cold weather,#148; said Kelly Sisco, the Addison Park District#146;s youth supervisor. #147;Not a lot is going on this time of year. It#146;s a great event to get everybody out.#148;The activities are entirely free with a cost for the food. #147;It should be loads of fun,#148; Pfaff said. #147;Last year there were more than 200 people, and we#146;re looking forward to an even larger crowd this year.#148; For information, visit addisionparks.org or call (630) 833-0100.