101st Greenfield Winter Carnival carrying ‘Warm and Toasty’ theme

By MARY BYRNE

Staff Writer

Published: 02-02-2023 6:36 PM

GREENFIELD — This weekend marks the Winter Carnival’s return, with a packed schedule of events to celebrate the annual festival’s 101st anniversary.

“One of our favorite things about this event is it is multiple days, so whether you prefer to do things in the evenings or during the daytime, there’s something for everybody,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore.

Though attendees will be able to watch as artists carve their ice sculptures throughout the day on Friday, the carnival officially kicks off at 4 p.m. with a torch lighting on Greenfield Common.

The Parade of Lights, originally scheduled for Friday, will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Decorated vehicles will make their way from Newton School, along Main Street and down Federal Street, ending at Beacon Field. A fireworks display will commence at 7 p.m.

“It’s going to be a cold weekend but potentially a wintry mix on Sunday,” Moore said. “I’m glad January did bring some snowfall for us.”

Many Winter Carnival favorites are planned, with some modifications to accommodate for the forecasted cold temperatures, including the Glow Party on Friday at 5:30 p.m. — which has been moved indoors at Greenfield Middle School — the Family Fun Fest at 20 Sanderson St. on Saturday and the K-9 Keg Pull at Beacon Field on Sunday.

Operating within the theme of “Warm and Toasty,” Moore said the Recreation Department will have marshmallows and hot dogs available for roasting at the warming fire, and all the ingredients necessary for a S’mores Bar at the Family Fun Fest.

“We’re happy to have an expanded ice map and ice walk this year,” Moore added, describing the annual ice sculpture contest on Main Street.

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New this year will be Lasermania, a “musical celebration” of a laser party set to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the auditorium of Greenfield Middle School. Following the show, there will be a short lesson on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Given the success of the ice toboggan chute last year, Moore said guests can expect another interactive ice feature on the Greenfield Common. Also returning this year will be the Ice Bar on Court Square, sponsored by Gilmore & Farrell Insurance.

“We want to keep people active and happy,” Moore said. “Winter can be a hard season for a lot of people and there’s an opportunity to still find joy in the cold weather in the heart of Greenfield. There’s just something for everybody. We try to come up with something for all age groups.”

Moore said several Greenfield businesses, including Adams Donuts, Main Street Bar & Grille, Four Phantoms Brewing Co. and Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center have events and activities set throughout the weekend.

“This is put on by the Recreation Department and the Recreation Commission but it’s funded by our local businesses,” Moore said. “We certainly couldn’t do it without them, and we thank them for their continued support.”

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

Schedule

The following is the schedule of events for the 101st Winter Carnival. For a full list of ongoing activities, as well information on how to register for individual events, visit greenfieldrecreation.com/wintercarnival.html.

Friday, Feb. 3

■All day: Live ice carvings (Main Street).

■9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Take-and-make craft kits (Greenfield Public Library).

■4 p.m.: Torch lighting (Greenfield Common).

■4 to 8 p.m.: Carnival on Court Square and Ice Bar.

■5:30 to 7 p.m.: Glow Party (Greenfield Middle School).

■8 p.m.: GZA, aka the Genius (Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center).

Saturday, Feb. 4

Events at 20 Sanderson Street — Family Fun Fest

■Ongoing: Greenfield Public School Art Exhibit.

■Ongoing: Paper Snowflake Contest.

■10 a.m.: Winter tales with Tim Van Egmond.

■10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Free take-home activities.

■11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: S’mores Bar.

■11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Face painting and children’s crafts.

■11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Board game social.

Additional Events

■11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Family dance lesson (Dawn’s School of Dance, 88 Hope St.)

■Noon to 6 p.m.: Carnival on Court Square and Ice Bar.

■1 p.m.: Lasermania (Greenfield Middle School auditorium).

■1 p.m.: Cribbage tournament.

■2 to 6 p.m.: Fire & Ice Bowling (Court Square).

■3 p.m.: Fatbike group ride (Bicycle World, 104 Federal St.)

■6 p.m.: Parade of Lights (Start at Newton School, end at Beacon Field).

■7 p.m.: Fireworks (Beacon Field).

■6 to 9 p.m.: Corey Knapp (Main Street Bar & Grille, 94 Main St.)

■7:30 p.m.: Jammin’ Winter Ball: A Celebration of Bob Marley’s Birthday (Hawks & Reed ballroom).

Sunday, Feb. 5

Events at Beacon Field, noon to 4 p.m.

■Sledding and outdoor ice skating (weather permitting).

■Snowman Village.

■Snow Sculpture Contest.

■Warming fire.

■Music with DJ Jason Antes.

■Massachusetts Army National Guard tent.

■Snack Bar.

■Cookie bake-off.

■Chili cook-off.

■Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides by Hubbard Farm ($3 per person, free for children under 2).

■Vintage Snowmobile Show and rides.

■12:30 p.m.: Community-wide tug of war.

■1 p.m.: K-9 Keg Pull.

■1 p.m.: Ice bowling (weather permitting).

■1:30 p.m.: Broom ball.

■1:30 p.m. Cardboard sled check-in station.

■2:30 p.m.: Cardboard sled contest.

■3:45: Awards ceremony (ice carving, Parade of Lights, cardboard sled race, snowmobile show, cookie bake-off, chili cook-off and snow sculpture contest winners).

Additional Events

■8 to 10 a.m.: Adams Donuts with Olaf.

■10 a.m.: Free showing of “Happy Feet,” sponsored by Dawn’s School of Dance (Garden Cinemas, 361 Main St.)

■Noon: Snowshoeing trek or winter hike (Meet at Highland Pond parking lot).

■1 to 5 p.m.: Four Phantoms Brewing Co.’s Dark HeARTs Market (301 Wells St.)

■2 to 6 p.m.: Winter Carnival Tea Dance (Hawks & Reed).

■7 to 10:30 p.m.: Madhouse Local Concert Series (479 Main St.)

Events throughout the weekend

■Sledding and outdoor ice skating (weather permitting).

■Find the Golden Carrot.

■Greenfield Business Association window displays.

■Winter Carnival specials at Four Phantoms.

■Poetry Walk.

■Free hot chocolate at Main Street Bar & Grille.

■Midwinter’s Dream Menu at Main Street Bar & Grille.

■Coloring contest at Main Street Bar & Grille.

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