After just two years of offering Frozen Fest at The West Woods, Geauga Park District officials found themselves with a good problem.
The size of the event, which drew more than 2,200 people in February, has already exceeded its space.
So park district staff were asked to explore a potential partnership involving Chardon Tomorrow’s WinterFest, held annually on Chardon Square.
Meanwhile, Chardon Tomorrow leaders were looking to breathe new life into their event.
As a result, the two will become one next year. Frozen Fest on the Square will debut Jan. 21.
The merger has the potential to bring twice the fun and more than double the crowd to the city of Chardon, said Sandy Ward, the park district’s marketing manager.
“We’re extremely grateful and excited for this opportunity to team up with Chardon Tomorrow and celebrate the many ways we can all enjoy winter in the snowbelt,” she said.
The new event will offer items from both the originals, plus some added attractions.
Frozen festivities will include singing ice princesses, a second free horse-drawn wagon ride around the square; the Kid at Art bus; an artist-led crown make-n-take project; a cooking demo; and possibly another “significant offering” still in the works.
“And to exhibit some of what’s awesome about the parks, Geauga Park District will also allow visitors to try our snowshoes,” Ward said, adding that they are available for free borrowing at The West Woods, in Russell Township, all winter long.
In addition, the park district will provide a shuttle for runners to and from a “Frozen 4K (Because It’s Too Cold for 5K).” The inaugural race will be held at Mountain Run Station and Maple Highlands Trail.
Returning WinterFest items are ice sculpture displays and carving demonstrations, corn hole games, face painting, fire pits and raffles, plus food and beverages for a nominal fee.
The event will continue to culminate with “Fire & Ice,” a crowd-pleasing spectacle of setting fire to an ice tower.
“It’s a pretty exciting development,” said WinterFest coordinator Steve Turpin. “I think it’s the best of all worlds.”
Ways to accommodate additional visitor parking are being explored as well.
For more, visit chardontomorrow.org or geaugaparkdistrict.org and click on “Special Events.” The sites will be updated as more information becomes available.
