After a successful start, Waterbury Winterfest pivots … due to winter

Feb. 2, 2023 | By Roger Clapp

Editor’s note: Due to the severe cold conditions forecast for this weekend, all of the daytime and outdoor Waterbury Winterfest events planned for Friday and Saturday have been moved to Sunday when temperatures are expected to be milder. The Snow Ball dance/silent auction/fundraiser at Zenbarn is still on schedule for Saturday evening. 

Sunday’s finale skating party is on for Anderson Park with skating, games, dancers and refreshments.

Check the WaterburyWinterfest.com website schedule for the most up-to-date information through the weekend. 

Winterfest president Roger Clapp shared this recap of the highlights so far.

To the community: 

Waterbury Winterfest completed a successful first weekend of the nine-day mid-winter celebration. 

Starting with a public opening toast at the Wine Vault in downtown Waterbury last Friday evening, Waterbury Winterfest kicked off in earnest on Saturday at Crossett Brook Middle School with four teams competing for the Winterfest Broomball trophy on their outdoor rink. After six rounds of intense broomball competition, Team Water Broomies reclaimed their title.

Also at Crossett Brook, several sledders sped down the slopes of the school's Cougar Mountain in a new event organized by Waterbury Rec Department and 14 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered at a clinic set up in a classroom by Waterbury Ambulance Service.  

Sunday's Fun Run attracted a small but hardy group of participants (and their parents). Photo by Gordon Miller

All ages take to the ice on Winterfest Broomball teams. Photo by Gordon Miller

On Sunday, 13 contestants including four babies in wheeled jogging units braved the elements to participate in the Fun Run, under new management from Christine Coangelie of Brookside PTO and Mud City Adventures.

Meanwhile a new Winterfest event - Family Friendly Bingo - attracted a large crowd at the Waterbury Area Senior Center with hot dogs, snacks, soft drinks and a 50/50 raffle.

Sledding conditions at 'Cougar Mountain' were ideal. Photo by Gordon Miller

A snow squall welcomed participants in the 10th Annual Descent along the Connector Trail from Blush Hill Country Club down to Little River. The four-mile backcountry adventure attracted 11 skiers and 12 snowshoers who followed different trails over ledges and through the woods to find the bridge to the hot cocoa waiting on the other side.

This week is the final leg of the Wanderlust Challenge with plenty of opportunities for new teams to enter and compete for prizes including a four-pack of fresh press from Stowe Cider. Also online at waterburywinterfest.com, anyone can join the raffle for a new Mens Burton Process Camber Snowboard.

In-person Winterfest Activities resumed Tuesday with the Beer Quiz and tonight is the popular Wassailing competition at five venues throughout Waterbury village. The Snow Ball Dance and Silent Auction Fundraiser returns on Saturday night at ZenBarn. Tickets and details are online on the Waterbury Winterfest website. 

Stay tuned for updates as the Party in the Park ducks the cold this Saturday for better conditions on Sunday.

Come discover the magic of Waterbury Winterfest.

~ Roger Clapp, for the Waterbury Winterfest leadership team