Somerset Winterfest Is Holiday Family Fun for All Ages
The 2021 holiday season has been nothing but merry and bright this year now that we can get back to doing the things we love most. Over in Somerset, the town is getting ready to take that level of joy to the next level with its very first annual Winterfest.
Driven by Lisa Marques and Lynn Berube, both Somerset natives, this small town winter event is getting ready for fun family activities for all ages. On Sunday, December 5, Winterfest will be held in the Slades Ferry District from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"We are hoping to make it bigger as the time goes by," Berube said. "Especially next year, now that we've got a good hold of the reigns. This all started when someone had an idea for a town festival and next thing you know, we were asked to board the event and here we are."
A synthetic ice skating rink will be offered free to the public, including complimentary skate rentals.
"We were so grateful that Bank 5 had agreed to sponsor the ice rink, it's one of the biggest attractions offered at Winterfest," Berube said.
Alongside the rink, you'll discover a 25-foot snow globe that allows you to go inside and take pictures, all thanks to Somerset Federal Credit Union. For the kids, there will be a train chugging along a magical place called "Candy Forest," as well as other activities for kids, including a life-size non-edible cotton candy statue and a giant gingerbread house.
Come dressed prepared for winter temps and come hungry as there will be eight or nine different food trucks on site. Each one will be selling different varieties of food such as Frisky Fries, No Joke Smoke BBQ, and more.
Pink Bean is offering a warming station with holiday movies. This is for the adults as they'll be selling beer, wine, and coffee for those who don't drink alcohol. You'll only be allowed to walk around with an open alcoholic beverage in this area.
The Pickle Deli will be on the scene handing out free hot chocolate to the kids and also selling small gingerbread kits for $5 and pastries, too.
"We were only given six weeks and $20,000 in community donations, but we made it work," Marques said. "We have had such an outpouring of people who can’t wait and are very excited to volunteer and donate to Winterfest. This makes us just as excited as we never thought it would be as big as it is."
As a bonus, an old-fashioned truck has been donated for the day as a backdrop with a group of professional photographers, so you can take advantage of a nice family Christmas photo op. All are welcomed as Winterfest 2021 steps off for the very first time this weekend.