By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On Feb. 6-9, Cazenovia will host its 2020 Winter Festival.
The annual celebration features a variety of events hosted by a number of different community organizations.
This year, the schedule includes snow sculptures, ice-skating, a pancake breakfast, a talent show, and more.
The festival is organized through a partnership between Project CAFÉ and the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC).
Project CAFÉ is a student-directed non-profit organization that promotes drug- and alcohol-free activities, music, art, community service, and scholarship in the Cazenovia area.
“The Winter Festival tradition goes back about 50 years in our community,” said Project CAFÉ advisor and Village Mayor Kurt Wheeler. “[It] is an important part of our traditions and civic life, just like the tree lighting/Christmas Walk, July 4th, and other annual events. It is a great way to get people out and promote a sense of community in the middle of winter.”
According to Wheeler, Project CAFÉ took the lead organizing the event about 20 years ago.
“There had been a separate Winter Fest committee for many years, but that committee stepped back as many of its members retired from public service,” Wheeler said. “Project CAFÉ stepped up to help the community.”
Today, the organization’s principal role is organizing the popular Winter Fest Talent Show, which will be held this year on Feb. 7.
The other events on the schedule are organized and presented by various local organizations.
According to GCACC Executive Director Anna Marie Neuland, the chamber helps Project CAFÉ to contact the participating organizations (e.g., the Cazenovia Public Library, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, Cazenovia Children’s House, etc.) and publicize the final schedule of events.
“This is a great event for families of all ages,” said Neuland. “It’s a time to come out and enjoy winter and the community and all it has to offer.”
For more information on the 2020 Winter Festival schedule, visit projectcafe.org or cazenovia.com/events.
CAZENOVIA WINTER FESTIVAL 2020
Thursday, Feb. 6
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Winter Art Show at the Cazenovia Public Library: organized by the Library Gallery Volunteers
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoe Drive at The Key: all types of gently used shoes will be accepted for donation to Ralph Rotella of Syracuse Discount Shoe Repair from Feb 1-8.
3 to 8 p.m. Family Ice Skating at Burton St. Skating Rink
Friday, Feb. 7
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Winter Art Show at the Cazenovia Public Library: organized by the Library Gallery Volunteers
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shoe Drive at The Key: all types of gently used shoes will be accepted for donation to Ralph Rotella of Syracuse Discount Shoe Repair from Feb 1-8.
3 to 8 p.m. Family Ice Skating at Burton St. Skating Rink
7 to 9 p.m. Talent Show & Opening Ceremony at Cazenovia High School: $5 at door. Proceeds will fund student scholarships
Saturday, Feb. 8
7 a.m. to noon Cazenovia Post 88 Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion: $8 per person and $25 per family
All day Outdoor Activities at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park: sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing
9 a.m. to noon Scholastic Snow Sculptures at Memorial Park: judging at noon
Morning to 12:30 p.m. Community Snow Sculpture Competition: pre-register at 315-655-9380
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter Art Show at the Cazenovia Public Library: organized by the Library Gallery Volunteers
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downhill Skiing at Caz Ski Club: $20 ski passes
Noon to 7 p.m. Family Ice Skating at Burton St. Skating Rink
3 p.m. Ralph Rotella of Syracuse Discount Shoe Repair will collect shoe donations at The Key
3 to 7 p.m. Cazenovia Post 88 Baked Ziti Dinner at the American Legion: $10 per person and $30 per family. Proceeds will benefit the Navy League of CNY
8 to 11 p.m. WinterFest Dance: $5 for Cazenovia High School students and guests only
Sunday, Feb. 9
All day Snow Sculptures
All day Outdoor Activities at Stone Quarry Hill Art Park: sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downhill Skiing at Caz Ski Club: $20 ski passes
Noon to 7 p.m. Family Ice Skating at Burton St. Skating Rink
1 p.m. Cazenovia Children’s House Snowflake Run at Emory Avenue: free 800-meter race around the Village Green for children 12 years and under. Register by the Middle School at 12:30 p.m.
1:30 to 3 p.m. Friends of the Library Chocolate Party with the “Ice Sisters”: free family crafts and activities followed by refreshments
6:30 p.m. Full Moon “Owl Prowl” on Burlingame Trail: presented by the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation and naturalist Fred von Mechow
7 to 9 p.m. Snow Date for Talent Show
