Winter wonderland or season switch-up? 102nd Winter Carnival taking on summer theme

Murray Long of Essex, Vermont, carves his ice sculpture on Main Street in Greenfield for the 2023 Winter Carnival. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

Murray Long of Essex, Vermont, carves his ice sculpture on Main Street in Greenfield for the 2023 Winter Carnival. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Athol resident Mark Bosworth carves his ice sculpture on Main Street in Greenfield for the 2023 Winter Carnival. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

Athol resident Mark Bosworth carves his ice sculpture on Main Street in Greenfield for the 2023 Winter Carnival. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

Cathie Llewelyn coaxes her chihuahua, Macho Chewbacca, toward the finish line while competing in the K-9 keg pull during the 2019 Winter Carnival at Beacon Field in Greenfield. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

Cathie Llewelyn coaxes her chihuahua, Macho Chewbacca, toward the finish line while competing in the K-9 keg pull during the 2019 Winter Carnival at Beacon Field in Greenfield. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Mika the husky, owned by Mark Theriault, competes in the K-9 keg pull during the 2018 Winter Carnival at Beacon Field in Greenfield. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

Mika the husky, owned by Mark Theriault, competes in the K-9 keg pull during the 2018 Winter Carnival at Beacon Field in Greenfield. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

Illuminated vehicles and humans make their way down Main Street during the Parade of Lights to kick off Greenfield’s Winter Carnival in 2020. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday.

Illuminated vehicles and humans make their way down Main Street during the Parade of Lights to kick off Greenfield’s Winter Carnival in 2020. The 102nd annual event returns Friday through Sunday. STAFF FILE PHOTO/DAN LITTLE

By ABNER ROJAS

For the Recorder

Published: 01-30-2024 12:16 PM

Modified: 01-30-2024 4:46 PM


GREENFIELD — Despite February being one of the coldest months of the year, attendees of the 102nd annual Winter Carnival can warm up with summer-style activities under this year’s theme of “Season Switch-Up.”

Local businesses will be lending a hand to the Greenfield Recreation Department, the Winter Carnival’s primary organizer, to capture those summer vibes during the three-day event, planned for Friday, Feb. 2, through Sunday, Feb. 4. Attendees can find tropical-themed doughnuts at Adams Donuts, summertime drinks and beach music at Mesa Verde restaurant, and a beach party at Beacon Field featuring limbo, snow volleyball and other summer-themed activities.

If the summer style isn’t for you, there will still be plenty of other events to enjoy, such as music, dance lessons and ice skating. Back again this year are the popular K-9 keg pull and cardboard sled race. Attendees of all ages can also experience more traditional winter activities that pay tribute to the carnival’s long history dating back to the 1920s.

“Friday has the Parade of Lights, warming fire, fireworks and you can see the ice sculptors working,” said Recreation Commission member Heather Valenta, adding that Saturday features a lot of indoor events while Sunday’s itinerary includes a lot of outdoor ones. “Any of those days you can walk downtown and view the sculptures, enjoy a drink at Mesa Verde’s ice bar and enjoy another drink inside at Main Street Bar and Grille.”

Whether you’ve been coming to the Winter Carnival all your life or will be visiting for the first time, each day will have a variety of activities to choose from. For organizers and attendees alike, everyone has an activity that’s particularly close to their hearts.

For Valenta, that event is the K-9 keg pull, which will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at Beacon Field. Dogs of all shapes and sizes, coaxed by their owners, sprint to the finish line pulling appropriately sized “kegs” ranging from beer cans for smaller dogs to full-size kegs for larger ones.

“This will be our 13th year for the keg pull,” Valenta said. “It’s fun to watch and participate. People love doing things with their furry friends, especially if they can get an award.”

Others hold the ice sculptures, which will be carved in front of 11 downtown businesses this year, particularly dear. Carnival attendees can vote for their favorite.

“Downtown ice sculptures are always a favorite,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “The intricate designs that are created from a simple block of ice are remarkable. Seeing them lit up at the end of the night is always special.”

“The ice sculptures are the first things that come to mind,” Kay Lyons, a member of the Historical Society of Greenfield who has volunteered with the Recreation Department for the cribbage tournament and the Parade of Lights for many years, said when asked about her favorite part of the carnival. “There have been ice sculptures and snow sculptures right from the start of the Winter Carnival in 1922.”

While the ice sculptures have remained a staple throughout the years, other parts of the Winter Carnival have evolved. When the event began in 1922, there were multiple ski jumps and toboggan chutes in an effort to promote tourism and establish the area as a winter sports destination, according to Moore and Lyons. Other standout years include the 1927 Winter Carnival that drew an estimated 5,000 attendees to witness two ski jumpers leap through a flaming hoop. Today, though, the idea of having those kinds of activities is less feasible.

“Unfortunately, the ski jumps and toboggan chutes are long gone,” Moore said. “Mother Nature does not provide as much snow as in years past.”

“I think the biggest changes to the Winter Carnival have had to do with changes in the climate and landscape, although some have to do with the public’s tastes in entertainment,” Lyons added. “It’s hard to imagine the big ski jumps ... in our winter landscape, and of course Highland Pond hasn’t had skating in recent years because environmental laws mean the pond can’t be dredged.”

Among other events of the past, the owner of the Weldon Hotel, eager to cultivate tourism, used to hold a Winter Carnival Ball as part of the festivities, according to Lyons. The dances and balls that were held at the Weldon and later the Armory stopped happening sometime in the 1990s. The town also used to crown a Winter Carnival Queen.

While the events have changed, the spirit of the carnival hasn’t, organizers say. At its core, the idea of bringing people together and embracing the winter season through fun activities remains.

Being a three-day celebration, it might be difficult for festival goers to pick which day to attend. Moore, too, said it would be hard to choose.

“Each day is truly filled with terrific Winter Carnival events. If we had to pick, it would be Friday,” she said. “Where else can you spend the day enjoying live ice carvings as you walk downtown, then stop by and enjoy a drink at an outdoor ice bar, catch some fire spinning in front of City Hall, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the Parade of Lights and fireworks shot off from the iconic Poet’s Seat Tower.”

For more information about the Winter Carnival, visit greenfieldrecreation.com/wintercarnival or find the Greenfield Recreation Department on Instagram or Facebook. Keeping Mother Nature in mind, Moore advises attendees to keep an eye on the department’s social media pages as any weather-related scheduling changes will be announced there.

Schedule of eventsFriday, Feb. 2

■All day — Artists will be crafting ice sculptures throughout downtown. Vote in the online contest by 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4.

■2 to 4:30 p.m. — Stop by the Greenfield Public Library meeting room for hot cocoa and board games.

■4 p.m. — A celebratory torch provided by Suburban Propane will be lit on the Greenfield Common.

■4 to 8 p.m. — Mesa Verde’s outdoor beach bash and ice bar. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

■4 to 8 p.m. — Stop by Court Square to watch fire-spinning performances, warm up around the fire barrels and toast some s’mores.

■5:30 to 7 p.m. — Come to Beacon Field for sledding, ice skating, music by DJ Jason Antes and a warming fire.

■6 p.m. — The Parade of Lights will travel from Newton School, along Main Street, down Federal Street, onto Beacon Street and end at Beacon Field.

■7 p.m. — Attendees can gather at Beacon Field to watch fireworks be launched from Poet’s Seat Tower.

■7 p.m. to midnight — Join 10 Forward for performances by local cover bands rock. $10 to $20 sliding scale admission.

Saturday, Feb. 3

■9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Stop by the Greenfield Middle School gym to watch the Greenfield Recreation youth basketball teams play against local rivals. Admission is free.

■10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Stop by the Greenfield Public Library meeting room for hot cocoa and board games. Make a lei in the Children’s Room or craft a tiny Hawaiian shirt in the Makerspace.

■10 a.m. — Assemble a team to compete for the Winter Carnival Piece Prize. This virtual puzzle contest will put puzzling skills to the test as teams of up to four compete to complete a 550-piece puzzle the fastest, all from the comfort of home via Zoom. Advance registration is required. Registration is $20 and the teams get to keep the puzzles.

■10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Come to 20 Sanderson St. for arts and crafts, face painting and a board game social presented by Greenfield Games.

■10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Art by Greenfield students will be on display on the second floor at 20 Sanderson St.

■10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Stop by the Greenfield public schools Title I program booth at 20 Sanderson St. for a free take-home winter family activity and game brochure. Giveaways such as books, bookmarks, pencils and more will also be available.

■11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. — Learn a dance with Dawn’s School of Dance.

■Noon to 4 p.m. — Cribbage tournament. $15 registration. Register online at friendsofgreenfieldrecreation.org or pay at the door if space is available. Boards and cards provided. Held at the John Zon Community Center.

■Noon to 6 p.m. — Mesa Verde’s outdoor beach bash and ice bar on the patio.

■Noon to 6 p.m. — The Dark HeARTs Market returns at Four Phantoms Brewing Co., 301 Wells St. This market will feature original art, curated oddities and homemade treasures by local artists.

■1 p.m. — The Greenfield Middle School auditorium will host a show with science experiments including foggy dry ice storms, giant beach balls floating in air and special bubbly showers.

■1 to 3 p.m. — Free kids karaoke at 10 Forward.

■3 p.m. — Bicycle World will be leading a group ride. The ride will depart from Bicycle World, 104 Federal St. Bring your own equipment.

■5:30 to 7 p.m. — Glow Party in the Greenfield Middle School cafeteria. Free glow accessories available.

■8 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Winter Carnival Rave at 10 Forward. For ages 18 and up. $10 to $20 sliding scale admission.

■8:30 p.m. — “Chasing Summer Vibes,” featuring Small Town Radio at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

Sunday, Feb. 4

■8 to 10 a.m. — Adams Donuts has partnered with the Recreation Department. Pre-order a half-dozen special Winter Carnival doughnuts for $15 on the Adams Donuts website, adamsdonuts.com/order-online. Each order will come with a book or math games.

■10 a.m. — The Garden Cinemas presents a free screening of “Smallfoot,” sponsored by Dawn’s School of Dance. Rated PG.

■Noon — Meet at the Highland Pond parking lot for a 60-90-minute guided walk around the Rocky Mountain trails. Bring your own snowshoes.

■1 p.m. — The Garden Cinemas presents “My Fair Lady.” Tickets are $11.50 per person. Rated G.

■2 to 6 p.m. — Join Hawks & Reed and Holyoke Lesbian Meetup for a get-together and dance that is welcoming for lesbian/queer women-identified people.

■5 to 7 p.m. — Mesa Verde’s outdoor beach bash and ice bar on the patio.

Beacon Field events (Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.)

Enjoy lawn games, play snow volleyball, build snow castles and bring a camera to pose with themed props at the season switch-up photo booth. Sledding and ice skating are traditional favorites. Bring your own sleds or skates.

Treats will be available for purchase from the Kiwanis Club and horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides will be offered by Hubbard Farm at a price of $3 per person. Children under 2 can ride for free.

Take a trip down memory lane at the Vintage Snowmobile Show sponsored by the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts and the Bernardston-Gill-Leyden Snowmobile Club. Vote for your favorite snowmobile in the People’s Choice Competition.

■Noon — Enter to win the cookie contest. Bring a minimum of two dozen cookies per entrant. Please share the recipes or ingredients.

■Noon — Come sample chili prepared by local community members. To enter the chili contest, contact the Recreation Department.

■12:30 p.m. — Tug of War.

■1 p.m. — K-9 Keg Pull. Dogs of all shapes and sizes, coaxed by their owners, sprint to the finish line pulling appropriately sized “kegs” ranging from beer cans for smaller dogs to full-size kegs for larger ones. A $10 registration fee benefits Paws Park. Register day of or online in advance.

■1 p.m. — Experience ice bowling on the ice rink.

■1:30 p.m. — Broom ball. No skates needed, only sneakers or boots.

■2:30 p.m. — Race in a cardboard sled down Beacon Hill. If there is no snow, bring your sled to be judged on creativity and construction. Check-in for the contest starts at 1:30 p.m. Save time by pre-registering your sled online. Advance registration is available until Wednesday, Feb. 1.

■3:45 p.m. — Announcement of the Ice Carving, Parade of Lights, Cardboard Sled Race, Vintage Snowmobile Show, Cookie Bake-Off, Chili Cook-off and Snow Sculpture Contest winners.

Ongoing

■Find the Golden Carrot — The Winter Carnival Snowman has lost his nose. Attendees are challenged to find one of the 10 golden carrots in this citywide scavenger hunt. Once you find a carrot, take a picture with the noseless snowman located outside the Recreation Department building, post the photo to the Facebook event, and leave the carrot along with a paper that includes your name, age and phone number in the dropbox.

■Poetry Walk — Enjoy winter-themed poetry along the ice sculpture route in downtown Greenfield.

■Sour Fest at Four Phantoms Brewing Co. — The brewery will feature four sour beers that can be enjoyed by the flight or by the pint beginning Thursday, Feb. 1 at 4 p.m. through Monday, Feb. 5.

■Midwinter’s Dream Menu — Enjoy a winter-inspired drink menu at Main Street Bar and Grille.

■Coloring Contest at Main Street Bar & Grille — Create a colorful masterpiece (no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches) with Winter Carnival-themed activities in mind. Drop the finished creation at the restaurant by Feb. 3, by 9 p.m. to enter.