Preview Video: https://youtu.be/S0sN8Rp-z74
Singing trees greet guests in the main lobby of Tioga Downs during Winterfest 2016. (Photos by Wendy Post)
On Friday, Nov. 25, Winterfest kicks off at Tioga Downs, located in Nichols, N.Y. This free, family event features nightly attractions such as a magical dancing light and music show created by W & W Nursery and Landscaping of Apalachin, N.Y., singing tree shows, and horse drawn wagon rides from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The free wagon rides will be offered every Friday and Saturday night, except on Dec. 17, 24, 25 and 31 during Winterfest.
The event takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout December. There will be no Winterfest on Dec. 17, 24, 25 and 31; however, additional event dates are planned for Dec. 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.
At a preview held for media on Tuesday, Ken Williams, owner of W&W Nursery and Landscaping in Apalachin, N.Y., addressed guests, stating, “It’s Christmas at the casino!”
Ken Williams, owner of W&W Nursery and Landscaping, addressed guests on Tuesday, stating, “It’s Christmas at the casino!”
Williams and his crew worked tirelessly for months to prepare for this season’s light show, which will not disappoint.
Other special holiday activities are also part of Winterfest 2016, sponsored by Tioga State Bank, Clinton Tractor, Red Barn Technology Group Inc. and Jim’s RV Center.
On Saturday, Nov. 26, Winterfest will have a special build your stuffed animal event where kids can come and create their own stuffed animal. In addition, the “Letters to Santa” mailbox will be out so that children can mail their letters and wish lists for the season to Santa. Both events are free to participate.
From left, David Warzyniak and Jeremy Williams were present at the preview of the light show for Winterfest 2016. Warzyniak and Williams worked with Ken Williams to create the display and light show. According to Warzyniak, there are approximately 12,000 lights, and 14 songs for the main show.
Saturday, Dec. 3 brings an ice sculpting contest to Tioga Downs from 5 to 8:30 p.m.; and on Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m., a winner will be announced in the Holiday Wreath Contest (homemade wreaths must be delivered to the Players Club by Dec. 9 before 8 p.m. to be considered for judging). Cash prizes will be awarded to the winning wreaths, and the contest begins on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Tioga Downs will host a Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 2 to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public both days and will include a variety of crafts, jewelry, candles and unique homemade goods.
One of the most anticipated events is the annual Lighted Holiday Parade, which takes place Friday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. All are welcome to enter, and winning floats can earn a cash prize for first, second and third places, with the top winner taking home $1,000. To register your vehicle or float, contact Alison Meyer at (607) 321-9690 or email to ameyer@tiogadowns.com.
To keep warm, there are fire pits down by the track for guests at Winterfest to enjoy.
Families are invited to a special Breakfast with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 18. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the cost is $14.99 for adults and $6.99 for children. Guests can enjoy brunch in the buffet while the kids write letters to Santa and take their picture with him.
The Outrageous Sweater contest returns this year on Friday, Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. Cash prizes of $500, $300, and $200 will be awarded for the top three sporting the zaniest holiday attire.
Winterfest 2016 wraps up on Friday, Dec. 30 with closing night events set for 5 to 8:30 p.m.
A place for Santa is ready for guests at Winterfest 2016.
Britta Erickson, marketing director at Tioga Downs, also noted that a Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute show is planned for Dec. 17. Tickets are on sale now at the Tioga Downs Gift Shop.
For more information on Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
Be the first to comment on "WinterFest 2016 at Tioga Downs"