This year's weekend-long event will feature an array of traditional indoor and outdoor activities, including art exhibits, craft shows, wine tasting, candlelight skiing and snowshoeing, ice skating and a whole lot more.
The event will kick off on Friday evening, as people are invited to bring the whole family for some winter fun during the Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe at the Spa State Park. During the event, families are encouraged to ski and snowshoe a candlelit loop. Snowshoes will be available to rent and night ice skating will also be available - weather permitting.
One of the most popular events held each year is Chowderfest. The annual event will celebrate its 11th year when it takes place on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event was originally planned to be held on the Saturday before the Super Bowl, David Zunker, President of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, said.
"Without the Super Bowl I guess there would be no Chowderfest," he said.
The event features approximately 30 different locations to choose and test different chowders or soups for $1 each. According to Zunker, last year's event saw more than 5,000 people consume 30,000 bowls of chowder.
Participants in the festival can also pick up a ballot to vote for their favorite chowder and can pay an additional $7 to receive a souvenir long-sleeved t-shirt upon turning in the ballot at either the Saratoga County Arts Council or the Saratoga Springs Visitor Center.
"The shirts have become a very popular collector's item throughout the years," Zunker said.
Last year, Gaffney's Restaurant was the winner of the People's Choice category and Cantina was voted Best Newcomer and Best On-Broadway.
There will also be a new theme of "going green" at this year's Chowderfest, Zunker said.
Participants will be offered biodegradable spoons, extra trash cans and recycled paper ballots.
The Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau will also be offering free trolley rides to help participants get to each destination faster and easier. The starting point will be under the flag at Lillian's and include such stops as Beekman Street, the City Center, up and down Broadway as well as various other locations where Winter Fest activities will be taking place.
On Saturday, Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, located at 100 Saratoga Blvd., will offer horsedrawn sleigh rides, ice sculpting, chowder, musical entertainment, ice skating and much more from 12 to 3 p.m.
Another popular event held each year is the annual Bartender's Ball which was established as a way to honor the hospitality industry. Over the years the event has grown into one of the highlights of Winterfest. It is open to the public and proceeds from the ball are donated to a local charity each year. Past beneficiaries have included the Salvation Army, YMCA and the Universal Preservation Hall.
"It (Bartender's Ball) is a blast," Zunker said.
The event closes each year with attendees getting the opportunity to test their skills in the annual 5K Snowshoe Race taking place in the picturesque Saratoga Spa State Park. The event is for runners of all ages and abilities. The cost for pre-registration is $17 with an official event t-shirt and $20 the day of the race. Seniors 65 and older and kids 12 and under are free.
The race benefits the Natural Heritage Trust and Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park.
"The way the community has stepped up to broaden Winter Fest from a predominantly restaurant based festival to a community festival has been remarkable," Zunker said.
For those interested in attending Winterfest from outside the area, The Convention and Tourism Bureau offers a Winterfest package that includes two Chowderfest long sleeved t-shirts, a two-night stay, dinner for two at a restaurant of your choice, breakfast for two and admission to two local museums of your choice.
Zunker said the event is a great way to bring people into the city and drive business during the city's off-peak tourist season.
"There is just a ton of stuff going on," Zunker said. "Downtown comes alive like it always does and it is a fun experience."
To learn more about Winterfest, visit: www.discoversaratoga.org.
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