Sunday benefit kicks off Waterbury Winterfest 2022
Dec. 8, 2021 | By Lisa Scagliotti
Waterbury Winterfest 2022 brings back snow volleyball and more in early February. 2020 file photo by Gordon Miller
Waterbury's signature wintertime celebration returns in January with the Wanderlust 2022 challenge starting Jan. 8 and five days of Waterbury Winterfest activities, Feb. 2-6, according to organizers.
But the first event of Winterfest happens this weekend. From 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Blackback Pub is hosting a silent auction and sing-along in its second-floor space.
After that, it’s just four weeks until the popular Winterfest Wanderlust challenge starts up as a way for individuals and families to get out on their own. Group activities are scheduled for the first week of February.
"This winter season we fully recognize the continued need to mindfully conduct Winterfest with best-practice safety protocols and encourage everyone, more than ever, to get out and play," said Winterfest President Roger Clapp and Secretary Brenda Caforia-Weeber in an announcement to sponsors.
The 2022 events mark the 11th year for Winterfest which usually spans a week and two weekends with daily indoor and outdoor winter-themed activities for all ages. The 2021 celebration took a different tack given the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers brainstormed dozens of activities that people were able to do on their own in family and friend groups, mostly outdoors. They dubbed it "Wanderlust" and it had a scavenger-hunt feel with prize drawings spread out over multiple weeks.
For the 2022 version, organizers say the Wanderlust challenges are back with some new additions, starting on Jan. 8 and running through Feb. 6.
This snow fort was best in show in the Wanderlust 2021 challenge. The popular contest returns in January 2022. Photo courtesy Amy Hoekstra.
Flag's up to hold a tiny snowman atop a mailbox from Team OurTribe. Thanks to Heidi Hall.
Then on Feb. 2, a five-day schedule of in-person group activities will kick off with the goal of getting people outdoors to play, exercise and visit local businesses. Plans are coming together for broomball, ice skating, human bowling, fat-tire bike rides, snow soccer, volleyball and football; cross-country skiing and music, beer tasting, and possibly the popular wassailing event and more.
Organizers are lining up sponsors for events to assist with supporting marketing and prizes for events. For more information, email waterbury.winterfest@gmail.com.
Sunday’s sing-along at Blackback Pub will be led by Sergio Torres, lead singer with the local band Still Kickin’ who also performs as a solo musician.
This indoor event will follow the COVID-19 safety protocols that Winterfest events will follow including proof of vaccination and having all participants including musicians wearing masks. Participants also will be asked to share contact information in the event it is needed for COVID-19 contact tracing purposes afterward.
Organizers say proceeds from the auction will go toward improving access to recreation opportunities in the Waterbury area.
Waterbury Winterfest also shared a highlight reel from Winterfest 2020.