Addison celebrates winter inside and out

The weather's caprices won't be enough to put a halt to the Addison Park District's Winterfest celebration.

Organizers have prepared a variety of indoor fun and games should snow, wind, ice and even cold be a no show for the fifth annual Winterfest on Sunday, Jan. 10.

"The weather is anybody's guess," said Deb Pfaff, the park district's marketing and communications supervisor. "We'll hope for pleasant weather so everyone can enjoy indoor and outdoor events."

If snow does materialize, the afternoon will feature sledding, snow painting, snowman building, snowshoe racing, snow football and igloo building, in addition to other activities both inside and outside the Community Recreation Center.

Inflatable bounce house rides, available for a small fee, will be set up inside the center's gym, where visitors also will find an obstacle course, face-painting and family games such as tug of war.

"We'll have a cookie decorating station, children's crafts and bingo," Pfaff said.

The gym also will host a performance by the Westernettes Baton Team, a group of Addison student twirlers who recently won recognition at the state level, Pfaff said.

New this year will be the Dad's Den, a separate area inside the center outfitted with a large-screen TV tuned to professional football. Extra seating will be provided for fans of the season's wildcard playoff games.

"The dads can watch football uninterrupted," Pfaff said.

Several outdoor events will go on, with or without snow, she said.

Pfaff said among the most popular draws at the fest are the horse-drawn wagon rides.

"The wagon will make short loops through Community Park," Pfaff said. "It's fun to get up close to live animals whenever you can."

She said the horses make the trip to Winterfest from a nearby Addison farm.

And the s'more roasting station will be up and running, where children and adults will be invited to roast marshmallows to sandwich between graham crackers and chocolate bars.

"We will have a fire going outdoors, with adult supervision," Pfaff said.

Winterfest runs noon to 3 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center, 120 E. Oak St., Addison. Admission is free for both park district residents and others. Concessions, including hot chocolate and chili, will be available.

If you go

What: Addison Park District's fifth annual Winterfest

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10

Where: Community Recreation Center and Community Park, 120 E. Oak St., Addison

Admission: Free

Info: (630) 233-7275 or addisonparks.org