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By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Snow Fest started out slow due to some poorly timed rain, but the second day of the weekend event turned Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park into a winter wonderland.
Snow was brought up from the Highlands Outpost to help create Snow Fest 2024.
Snow Fest was held on the last weekend in January and closed early on Saturday due to a steady drizzle of rain throughout the day.
“Snow Fest exceeded expectations with a remarkable turnout on Sunday, and the joy radiating from young and old made the event truly memorable,” said Kaye McHan, executive director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. “Despite weather challenges, specifically rain leading to our closure on Saturday, our resilience prevailed as we successfully preserved the majority of the snow. This effort resulted on Sunday becoming a spectacular day, bringing delight to all those in attendance.”
Having fun on the snow tube merry-go-round.
The snow was brought up from Highlands Outpost and blanketed Founders Park. Mother Nature even helped a bit by providing a few flurries on Sunday.
Carving up the slopes of Founders Park.
People of all ages were snow tubing, having snowball fights, relaxing with smores and hot chocolate, building snow people, skating on the ice rink, or riding a merry-go-round of snow tubes.
“Our goal is to entice visitors to explore Highlands during the winter season, thereby bolstering our local businesses,” said McHan. “Simultaneously, we aspire to provide residents with a family-friendly activity that adds joy to their winter.”
Using an chain saw to create an ice sculpture.
Vendors for the event included Highlands Outpost, Ice Mill, DJ Jimmy Shur, Rachel Kinback (Snowga). Local organizations that participated include Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Berkshire-Hathaway Realty, Highlands School Booster Club, and Mountaintop Rotary.
Making snow angels.
“The success of Snow Fest is in part because of the invaluable support provided by our local businesses and dedicated volunteer organizations,” said McHan. “Their generous contributions played an indispensable role in making this event truly exceptional. We extend our deepest gratitude for the time and effort they devoted to Snow Fest.”
Rocking snow tubes downhill.
McHan added that plans are already in the works for Snow Fest 2025.
“By incorporating valuable insights gained from this year and previous ones, our aim is to elevate next year’s event to new heights and create an even more memorable and exceptional experience for all attendees,” she said.
Highlands Booster Club provided much-appreciated smores and hot chocolate.
To learn more about Highlands Chamber events, click HERE.
The tube above the merry-go-round was consistently spraying snow over certain areas of the park.
Proudly showing off their efforts after building an awesome snow man.
The snow was perfect for making snowballs, and many battles ensued.
Hitting the ice skating rink on the second day of Snow Fest.
For certain snowball fights you need to stock up and be prepared, as these young ladies are doing at Snow Fest.
Racing down a hill on a snow tube.
All smiles on the snow tube marry-go-round.
Finished ice sculptures, a skier and a bear.