AMHERST — In the lead-up to Amherst’s spring town elections 15 years ago, some of those running for office and other town and school officials, as well as children and college students, competed in the Cardboard Classic sledding event at the inaugural WinterFest, racing their creations down a snow-covered hill.
While the kickoff for this year’s WinterFest on Saturday may not generate as much buzz, with the pandemic’s disruptions and alterations in recent years, Amherst Recreation and the Mill District are aiming to restore some of the event’s fun and appeal, encouraging people bring decorated cardboard sleds to a slope at Cherry Hill Golf Course on Montague Road.
“We would like to get the Cardboard Classic reintroduced because it was such an important part of WinterFest before,” said Amherst Recreation Director Reynaud Harp.
Harp said this week that entries are being accepted and will be judged and, with the right weather conditions and snowmakers at the town-owned site, it will be a successful return for the event.
Saturday’s free four-hour event, starting at noon, is the beginning of WinterFest Amherst: 15 Days of Winter Celebrations, with Amherst Recreation partnering with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and Amherst Business Improvement District, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Amherst Senior Center, Amherst College, and the town’s Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service.
“This is so important for us, making sure to reintroduce WinterFest as we come out the pandemic, and bring the town together to celebrate,” Harp said.
At Cherry Hill, a large bonfire will burn throughout the day, with those who come being provided s’mores kits to melt the chocolate and marshmallow between graham crackers. The day will include a kids carnival, cross-country skiing and other family-oriented activities.
Attendees are encouraged to park in the Mill District, near the General Store, where shuttles will run every 15 minutes.
WinterFest is also anchored by events on the Town Common in Amherst center on both Feb. 4 and Feb. 11.
The Luminaria, with candles inside bags, will be displayed Feb. 4 at 5 p.m. Earlier that day, Amherst Recreation is helping to sponsoring the Amherst Cinema’s $5 family singalong of the film “Frozen” at 12:45 p.m.
On Feb. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. will be the Fire & Ice live ice sculpting, presented by the Amherst BID, with fire pits set up on the Common.
WinterFest’s calendar of events includes ice hockey games at Amherst College and various performances at The Drake, and events such as sing with your baby Feb. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Jones Library, a Valentine’s drop-in crafts at the Jones Feb. 8 at 4 p.m., and a cribbage tournament at the Amherst Senior Center on Feb. 10 at 9:15 a.m.
A complete list of events is on the town’s website at www.amherstma.gov/3701/Winterfest-2023.
