GREENFIELD — During a time of year that can be cold and dreary, residents have the Winter Carnival to brighten their spirits.
This year is no exception, says Christy Moore, director of the Greenfield Recreation Department, which is preparing for the 98th annual event to start on Friday. The theme of this year’s event, which runs through Sunday, is “There’s Snow Place Like Home.”
Moore said new activities include a glow party, more outdoor activities and allowing the public to participate in Sunday’s chili cook-off, which was previously only open to restaurants.
The celebration starts Friday, when area artists will take to carving ice sculptures that will be on display throughout the weekend. People are encouraged to vote for their favorite sculpture via a ballot box on the Greenfield Common. After dusk, the sculptures will be illuminated.
At 4 p.m., the Winter Carnival torch lighting will take place on the common, followed by a performance by MEGAdance at 5:30 p.m. A glow party will be held at Beacon Field from 5:30 to 7 p.m., and the fifth annual Parade of Lights will start at 6 p.m. Illuminated vehicles will travel from Newton School to Beacon Field.
A warming fire and fireworks display starting at 7 p.m. will round out the night at Beacon Field.
“There will be glow face paint, a glow stick vendor and the LED glow performance,” Moore said. “We want to get people to the field as the parade is ending and see all of the fun. We have a different performer and people like glow-in-the-dark things — especially fireworks.”
Other activities on Friday include a hot chocolate and board game social at the Greenfield Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturday, the 4-mile Sleigh Bell Run starts off the morning, with participants jingling their way through the course from Hope Street to the Highland Park area. Participants can register online or at the Recreation Department, or on race day at Hope & Olive.
For those looking for indoor fun on Saturday, there will be the Family Fun Fest at the Youth Center, 20 Sanderson St., with a performance by Jonathan Mirin of Piti Theatre Co. at 10 a.m. Family Fun Fest will also feature an art exhibit, face-painting, crafts and board games. Popcorn and drinks will be available for purchase.
New this year, Family Fun Fest will continue outside at Beacon Field with music, sledding, capture the flag, snowga (snow yoga) and more.
“One of the additions includes ‘snowga,’ which is in collaboration with Burning Heart Yoga,” Moore said. “We hope it will get people outside in their snow gear and try to do yoga in the snow. We’ll see how many people can touch their toes in snow pants.”
Additional Saturday activities include basketball games, a Fatbike Group Ride, a cribbage tournament and the Winter Carnival Jamboree at Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center.
On Sunday, events start bright and early with Breakfast with Olaf at 8 a.m. at the Ninety-Nine Restaurant. This event is a fundraiser for the Winter Carnival. Tickets are $6 per person, children ages 10 and under are $4, and children under 2 are admitted for free.
Sunday’s events continue at Beacon Field with sledding, ice skating and building snowmen. A snow sculpture contest and snowshoe demonstrations by Eastern Mountain Sports will take place, weather permitting. There will also be horse-drawn hay or sleigh rides, a community-wide tug of war, ice bowling, broom ball and a hockey match.
For food, there will be a cookie bake-off, chili cook-off, marshmallow toasting, hot cocoa and other warm selections. New this year, Moore said she worked with the city’s Health Department to allow the public to compete in the chili cook-off.
Beacon Field will also host a Vintage Snowmobile Show and rides from noon to 4 p.m. Spectators will can cast their votes for their favorite snowmobile.
Back for the eighth year by popular demand is the K-9 Keg Pull at 1 p.m. Participants do whatever it takes to urge their dogs, pulling appropriately sized kegs, across the finish line. Those wishing to enter their dogs into the competition can register in advance or on the day of the competition.
The last event before the 3:45 p.m. awards ceremony is the Cardboard Sled Contest at 2:30 p.m.
“The creativity is limitless,” reads a Greenfield Recreation Department press release. “Just about anything goes, but all sleds must be made of cardboard.”
Prizes are awarded in the youth and group categories for the fastest, most creative, zaniest and best crash. Adults can earn prizes for the fastest and most creative. Businesses are also encouraged to join in the Corporate Challenge, where a prize is awarded for best design. An overall “People’s Choice” prize is also awarded.
For a complete schedule of events and event map, visit greenfieldrecreation.com/wintercarnival. While most events are free, some activities do include a fee or suggested donation. For more information about the Winter Carnival, call 413-772-1553.