Winterfest facts for kids

Winterfest is the name of several winter festivals held in various locations in North America.

Cedar Fair parks

WinterFest is a seasonal event held at Cedar Fair amusement parks, an event that enables the parks to remain open during the months of November and December. As of 2019, seven Cedar Fair parks have hosted WinterFest events, including California's Great America in Santa Clara, California; Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan, Ontario; Carowinds in Charlotte; King's Dominion in Doswell, Virginia; Kings Island in Mason, Ohio; and Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri. WinterFest events are typically themed with light displays, and includes seasonal foods, ice skating rinks, and performances by the Peanuts characters. Snowmaking machines are also used at these parks to create snow for the event.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The annual Winterfest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, produces the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade which is tagged the "Greatest Show on H20" - founded in 1971, this annual Boat Parade and Festival has earned the title, "The World's Most Watched Boat Parade." Celebrity Grand Marshals and 100 decorated boats entertain 1 million spectators along the 12-mile waterway parade route in December.

Lowell, Massachusetts

The annual Winterfest in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a festival that started in 2001. The two-day festival is held following Super Bowl week in downtown Lowell. Events include the Human Dog Sled Competition, in which six-person teams dressed in wacky costumes compete for titles ranging from fastest team to best dressed. The Human Dog Sled Competition was recognized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2003 for its animal-friendly approach to winter fun. In the Soup Bowl Competition, local restaurant chefs create original recipes that are rated by festival attendees.

Other Winterfest activities include children’s entertainment, hot food, drink, live music, free ice skating at Tsongas Arena, a hay ride, a snowman building contest, and an art show of works by local artists. Musical performers have included The Joshua Tree. The festival ends with a fireworks display that organizers claim rivals those on the Fourth of July.

Beloit, Wisconsin

Similar to Lowell, Massachusetts' Winterfest, the Beloit Festival ranges in location from the Eclipse Center to Riverside Park and downtown. Events include an indoor playland, ice skating on the lagoon, ice sculpting and toboggan races. All events take place in the city of Beloit.

Wausau, Wisconsin

The annual Winter Fest in Wausau, Wisconsin, is a festival that was founded in 2012 by Wausau Events, Inc. Activities for all ages are offered at sites throughout downtown Wausau and typically include horse-drawn wagon rides, art projects, cookie decorating, a snow sculptures, ice-skating, and more.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A festival in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this Winterfest takes place from Friday, February 18 - Sunday, February 20. Unlike the other Winterfests, this one is mainly based around Christian fundamentals, as several churches come to the city and have three 2 1/2-3 hour worships on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning. Usually, entertainment such as magicians or comedians will be brought in; besides the gatherings, visitors have periods of time for relaxation and recreation when they may go to places such as restaurants, arcades, and other fun activities.

Newaygo, Michigan

The annual Winterfest in Newaygo, is a backyard wrestling event started in 2002 as an annual major event put on by the Newaygo Wrestling Organization (nWo). Since its 2002 inception, the nWo has put on five more events, with the most recent on January 2011.

Coventry, Rhode Island

The annual "Winterfest" in Coventry, Rhode Island, is a bacchanalian celebration of the oppressive cold of New England winters. It is intended to bring the arrival of spring through drink and food.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Winterfest in Philadelphia is at the Blue Cross RiverRink, an skating rink and outdoor event facility located at Penns Landing. During the winter months it hosts the Blue Cross RiverRink WinterFest, featuring winter-themed decorations, fire pits, and an outdoor beer garden. The first Winterfest was held in 2013, concepted by Avram Hornik of FCM Hospitality, who also owns the neighboring outdoor waterfront restaurant, Morgan's Pier. During the summer months, the ice rink is converted into a roller skating rink under the name SummerFest.