The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton Lakes State Park To Hold 28th Annual Winter Festival

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Grafton Lakes State Park and the Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will host the 28th Annual Winter Festival and Ice Fishing Contest on Saturday, January 19. The Winter Fest will feature winter exhibits, vendors, and family-friendly and recreational activities. The Winter Fest is free of charge and main events run from 10 am to 4 pm.
The Winter Festival offers environmental and recreational workshops and outings, including snow sculpture and snowball throwing contests for the kids, horse drawn sleigh rides and live animal exhibits. The 6th Annual Polar Plunge, hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, jumps into Long Pond at 1 pm and promises to be an awesome and chilly spectacle this year. To pre-register for the Plunge, please call Margaret Philips for more information at 479-3739.
New events this year include snow bowling for the youngsters and a snowshoe obstacle course. There will be snowshoe and cross country ski outings throughout the Park at levels for all ages to enjoy. Hot food is also sold during the event from Grafton Lakes State Park’s concession provider, Brunswick Barbecue and Brew, as well as local community organizations.
The annual ice fishing contest draws about 200 fishermen and will run from 5:30 am to 3 pm on all the ponds in the Park. Participants can register starting at 5:30 am until 11 am on January 19 at the Park’s pole barn, accessible via the Winter Entrance. A $10 entry fee for adults 16 and older is required to participate in the fishing tournament.  All first place fish will receive a $300 cash prize this year, awarded for the longest length catch of trout, walleye/chain pickerel and yellow perch. Children may enter at no charge, and winning entries will receive gift certificates and other prizes. Please remember that all participants 16 and older must have a New York State fishing license to fish in the park at any time.
Visitors may rent snowshoes from the Park office throughout the winter. Snowshoe rental rates are $5 for four hours, and group rates are available. Snow conditions are currently excellent for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
For more information about the Winter Festival, please call the Park at 518-279-1155. A full schedule of events will be available on Grafton Lakes’ website (www.nysparks.com/parks) and on www.facebook.com/GraftonLakesStatePark.