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| Chilly and Crystal are the Winterfest mascots. They're always spotted during the Polar Plunge at Chetola Resort. |
Jennifer Primrose | January 15, 2017
Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown
The first Winterfest took place in January of 1998 after several business owners in the area decided to create a festival to celebrate winter. We attended our first Winterfest back in 2013 and had a great time, especially if you are lucky enough to experience some snowfall while you are there. The festival includes so many great events that just keep evolving over the years and the best part is the money raised all goes to various charities and you cannot beat that!
Related Story: Looking forward to Blowing Rock's 2014 Winterfest!
Here is just a sampling of what you can expect at the 2017 Blowing Rock Winterfest:
- The Polar Plunge
- WinterTastings and Auction at the Green Park Inn
- WinterFest Family Night at Appalachian Ski Mountain
- WinterFeast at Chetola Resort
- Beer and Wine Tastings
- Cork and Canvas Classes
- Silent Auction and Raffle
- Hayrides
- Ice Sculptures
- Bonfire
- WinterFashion Show
- WinterPaws Dog Show
- Pancake Breakfast
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And new for 2017:
- First ever Beer Garden! From what I've read, this event will feature local breweries sampling their "Hops and Barley Pops" under the tent at the Inn at Ragged Gardens. It will also feature a new chili challenge with local restaurants competing to beat The Best Cellar's 2016 Chili Champion!
- Appalachian State WinterFest Snowflake Parade featuring the Appalachian State University Mountaineers Football team
- Friday evening, the WinterFest Ice Stroll, where you can take a stroll after dark through Blowing Rock to see all the ice sculptures crafted by Travis Dale, owner of Artisan Ice Sculptures.
If you are looking for some winter weather, weather permitting, or even if you've had enough, come on out to Blowing Rock and "Don't hibernate. Celebrate!"
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