Tight budget? Free events at WinterFest

BY MOSS BRENNAN

WinterFest has a variety of events every year and this year is no different. While some events cost money, many others are free and fun for the whole family.

Below is the list of free events at WinterFest.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Mystery Hill: WinterDuck Derby

Mystery Hill 129 Mystery Hill Ln 3..2..1..GO! We’re off to the races again! Join us throughout WinterFest to race WinterDucks and see who reigns supreme. Winners of each heat will receive a prize! The event starts at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 and will go until 3 p.m. Jan. 29.

BRAHM Square dancing

159 Ginny Stevens Ln

Learn how to square dance from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and then dance the night away. FREE and no registration required. The even ends at 8 p.m.

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort

185 Chetola Lake Drive

Close to 30,000 illuminations light up the lakeside at Chetola beginning at dusk each evening!

As you stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, a colorful train, Rudolph’s “Holiday Catch”, and much more. The Festival of Lights is free and open to the public nightly. Park and walk around Chetola Lake, sipping on hot cocoa (available in Timberlake’s for purchase).

Winterfest Hendrick Hunt

Throughout Blowing Rock

WinterFest Hendrick Hunt

Jan. 26-29. Join for some WinterFest fun! Enter the Hendrick Hunt by submitting a photo of a Hendrick Luxury Group vehicle during WinterFest. There will be four Hendrick Luxury Group vehicles placed around Blowing Rock during WinterFest, find one or find them all! One photo = one entry with up to four entries (one for each car). Scan the QR code located on the gas cap and upload your photo on the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Make sure to use the hashtag #HendrickHunt. Must be 25 years or older to participate. WinterFest Hendrick Hunt Prize includes: Two night stay at the Meadowbrook Inn, Yeti cooler, two WinterFest beer glasses, $50 gift card to the Famous Toastery of Blowing Rock, The Speckled Trout beanies, The Spice & Tea Exchange Variety Pack and a Hendrick vehicle refresh.

Saturday, Jan. 28

Snow Making Demonstration

Memorial Park in downtown

Blowing Rock

Ever wonder how snow is formed? Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist for WCNC Charlotte, will host a snow-making demonstration in Memorial Park on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brad built the snow gun himself, and it will be set up right on the lawn by the gazebo. Under the right conditions, the device will create a visible cloud of snow! Brad is always happy to talk about weather, so be sure to stop by to check out the snowmaking demo and ask him about winter!

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum – Free Admission!

159 Ginny Stevens Lane

Take the “brrrr” out of the chill and come to the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM).

Admission to the museum is FREE!

Stop in, warm up, and tour the exhibits. You’ll be glad you did! The free admission will go from 11 a.m.

Jan. 28 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 29.

Hayrides in Downtown

Blowing Rock Sponsored by The Speckled Trout

132 Park Avenue

A crowd favorite, don’t miss this adventurous mode of transportation during Blowing Rock WinterFest! Hay Rides Provided by

Speckled Trout Outfitters. Pick up is from the Blowing Rock Chamber. The hayrides are from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Ice Carving Demonstrations

Memorial Park

Artisan Ice Sculptures has again joined forces with Blowing Rock WinterFest to bring you the best ice carving event all year! Come by Memorial Park from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to see what the Artisan Ice team is creating.

Saturday Story Time

3411 U.S. 321 S, Blowing Rock

Join The Incredible Toy Company on Saturday, Jan. 28 for Children’s Story Hour, from 11 a.m. until noon. Stop by to warm up with some favorite winter storybooks, then stick around to play awhile!

Knife Making Demonstration

McCoy Minerals, 537 North Main Street

Stop by McCory minerals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a knife making demonstration by Tanion McCoy and Isaac Turner. Watch as they create knives using blacksmithing skills during this free demonstration.