NEWPORT –– Newport is gearing up for its annual Winter Festival on February 24, promising a delightful blend of nostalgia and winter fun for people of all ages. Celebrating Vermont’s rich winter traditions, the festival is set to feature an array of activities including snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, and the warmth of community bonfires. Here is a breakdown of the day’s events:
Age: All Ages
Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. –– 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gardner Park / Prouty Beach
Admit/Rate: Donations to fundraisers help support the event.
1. Annual Guy Fortin Co-Ed Broomball Tournament
- What: A playful twist on hockey, perfect for anyone regardless of skating skills.
- Who: Open to ages 16 and above. Bring a helmet; sticks provided.
- Fee: $10 per player, aiding the Winter Festival Fireworks.
2. Discover Newport Scavenger Hunt
- What: An exciting adventure through Newport’s hidden gems.
- Start: Pick up your list and bag at the skate shack by 9 am.
- Route: From Prouty’s nature walk to downtown Newport.
- Prize: The team with the most items wins.
- End: Reconvene at the Skate Shack by 3 pm.
3. Snow Sculpting Contest
- What: Showcase your creativity in snow.
- When: Start sculpting as early as February 17th.
- Categories: Most original, best snow person, largest, and more.
4. Slap Shot Shoot-Out
- What: Test your ice hockey shooting accuracy.
- Registration: Sign up at the Ice Shack, 9 am-12 pm on the day of Winterfest.
5. Farcical Figure Skating
- What: A humorous and fun figure skating competition.
- Categories: Youth and adult, with various fun titles.
- Registration: On the day at the Ice Shack, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
6. Chuck-A-Puck
- What: A thrilling contest to aim a puck closest to the bullseye.
- When: Culmination of Winter Fest at 4 p.m.
- Details: Purchase pucks at the Skate Shack.
7. Cardboard Sled Race at Prouty Beach
- Divisions: Different times for various age groups.
- Materials: Only cardboard, duct tape, and glue.
- Awards: King of the Hill, Best Dressed, Theme Star.
- Safety: Helmets strongly encouraged.
- Registration: Team parent/manager must register.
8. Coulter Memorial Pond Hockey Tournament
- What: A 3 on 3 hockey tournament in memory of Ryan and Tyler Coulter.
- Format: Dependent on team numbers, either double elimination or round-robin.
- When: Starts at 4 pm.
9. Sledding and Snow Tunnels at Prouty Beach
- What: Enjoy sledding and exploring new snow tunnels.
- Where: Prouty Sledding Hill.
10. Skate for Free at the Skate Shack
- What: Access to one of Vermont’s largest outdoor public skating areas.
- Availability: All day, except during scheduled events.
11. Memphremagog Winter Swimming Festival
- What: An extraordinary winter swimming competition.
- Where: East Side Restaurant.
- More Info: Memphremagog Winter Swimming Society.
Pack your warmest gear, embrace the spirit of winter, and join us at the Newport Winter Festival for a weekend filled with laughter, competition, and the joyous essence of Vermont’s winter traditions. Whether you’re sliding down a snowy hill, sculpting a masterpiece out of snow, or gliding across the ice, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss this chance to create memories that will last a lifetime!
