Winterfest to kick off on Saturday at Tioga Downs Casino

On Saturday, Nov. 28, Winterfest will officially kick off at Tioga Downs Casino located on River Road in Nichols, N.Y. The event features free nightly attractions to include a display of lights that help create for a magical holiday season, free wagon rides, singing trees and much more. Winterfest runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout December, from 5 to 9 p.m. (excludes Christmas Day).

On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the media, as well as employees and family members of Tioga Downs, were invited for a sneak preview of the light show, which was assembled, designed, and created by W&W Landscape and Nursery located on Marshland Road in Owego, N.Y.

According to Ken Williams, owner of W&W Landscape and Nursery, the light show this year is brand new, with extended show times, double the number of props on stage, and the theme is completely new. During the press conference held in conjunction with the preview, Williams spoke to guests, stating that the lights used can produce up to 16.5 million colors.

Williams also noted that the weather was a blessing this year. Last year was the first year for Winterfest, and Williams said they were working to set things up with gloves on in the bitter cold. “We could work without gloves this year,” said Williams.

And Williams and his team actually begin working on the light show, which includes the musical display taking place trackside, the singing trees, and the mega-tree that contains over 3,500 lights, in March. To put together the display, Williams stated they have to fabricate the entire project.

“It’s all steel,” he said of the project, and we have to build the controller for the lights and music.”

Williams thanked his team, consisting of Jeremy, Sandy, Marty, Wayne, Gwenn, Aleah, Regan, Mark, Tom Brian, Kira, Terry, John, and countless suppliers.

“You can’t win the Super Bowl without your team,” added Williams.

Tom Osiecki, president and COO of Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. and Vernon Downs in Vernon, N.Y., stated that Winterfest was a very successful event the first year, so they decided to offer it free to the community again at Tioga Downs.

“It was a large undertaking, and extremely well received,” said Osiecki.

There are a host of activities taking place coinciding with the light show at Winterfest.

On the opening night of the event, sponsored by Redneck Boots & Western Wear out of Owego, N.Y., a scheduled Ice Bar will take place in the Winner’s Circle Lounge patio from 7 to 11 p.m. with musical entertainment by Travis Rocco.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, ice-sculpting contests will return to Tioga Downs from 5 to 9 p.m.

A homemade wreath contest is also taking place with cash prizes of $500, $300, and $200 being awarded. Homemade wreaths must be delivered to the Player’s Club on Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. to be considered for judging, and winners will be announced.

Tioga Downs’ holiday craft show will also take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public both days.

Other events include a breakfast with Santa on Dec. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a cost of $14.99 for adults and $6.99 for children; and an outrageous sweater contest on Dec. 26 from 5 to 9 p.m. For the sweater contest, prizes of $500, $300, and $200 will be offered, and there will also be a reindeer petting zoo taking place. The sweater contest begins at 8 p.m.

Most anticipated is the “Lighted Holiday Parade” taking place on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. All are invited to enter floats, vehicles or tractors for judging, and an opportunity to take home $1,000, $500, or $300 in cash prizes. To register your vehicle or float, contact Alison Meyer at (607) 321-9690 or email to ameyer@tiogadowns.com. You can also contact Sarah Hoffman at (607) 425-9325 or shoffman@tiogadowns.com for more information.

Winterfest 2015 will wrap up on Dec. 30, closing night, with events set for 5 to 9 p.m.

For more information on events, you can visit www.tiogadowns.com.