Winterfest Back at Chestnut Ridge Park

January 13, 2009

Family fun event returns after several year absence

Erie County and the Niagara Frontier Recreation & Parks Society (NFRPS) are teaming up to host Winterfest 2009 at Chestnut Ridge Park in Orchard Park on Sunday, February 8, 2009. This free, family friendly event is back for 2009 after being cancelled for several years due to budget cuts. This year's event has received private sponsorship, and several local community groups are donating goods and services to make Winterfest possible.

Winterfest 2009 will feature: sledding, snow shoe hikes, snowboarding, snow sculptures, hay rides, a hockey skills competition, wood branding, nature education, marshmallow roasting, and food and beverages.

"Erie County's Parks Department continues to provide a greater level of service, despite significant budget constraints," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "By doing more with less and forming new community partnerships, our Parks Department is able to once again host Winterfest at Chestnut Ride Park after a long absence. This is a great opportunity for county residents to get outside and enjoy one of our beautiful county parks. I want to thank Commissioner Jim Hornung and the leadership of NFRPS for their hard work and acknowledge our event sponsors for their generosity."

"Erie County's parks are just as splendid in the winter months as they are in the spring and summer," said Erie County Parks Commissioner Jim Hornung. "I encourage the public to bundle up and join us for a day of family winter activities in the truly beautiful setting of Chestnut Ridge Park."

"In past years, Winterfest proved to be an outstanding event for the local community," said NFRPS President Joe Wenzel. "Our organization is so pleased to partner with Erie County to bring this event back for the public. NFRPS is passionate about recreation and our local parks. Winterfest will hopefully expose a whole new generation to our parks system, in particular Chestnut Ridge."

Winterfest 2009 is a collaboration between the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry and the Niagara Frontier Recreation & Parks Society. The event is receiving private sponsorship from Cappelli's Pizzeria, Chautauqua Institution, Dick's Sporting Goods, Earth Spirit and WBEN Radio. This event is also made possible through assistance from the Canisius College Physical Education Department, the Erie Community College Recreation Department, Hamburg YES Volunteers, the SPCA and Tift Farm.

Winterfest 2009

Sunday, February 8, 2009

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Chestnut Ridge Park

Orchard Park, NY