by Patricia Measer
Winterfest is here this Saturday, January 21, 2023. The annual outdoor event is a family favorite, with activities for all ages. Many families have been coming every year since it began. But whether you are a veteran of Winterfest or this year is your first time attending, there may be some interesting facts about the event that you don’t know. Read on to discover what makes Winterfest so special!
Winterfest began in 2013 as a way to give back to the local snowmobile clubs. A group of snowmobilers, headed by Bryce Steffen and Rachael Wiley-Steffen, wanted to show appreciation for all the clubs do for riders, as well as raise money to help the clubs to continue their work. They got approval to host an event at the Bemus Point Golf Course from the owners at that time, sent out letters requesting volunteers and donations, and provided for each of the five clubs in Chautauqua County to set up booths and share their knowledge with the community. Donations were given directly to the clubs.
Each year since then, Winterfest has grown in size and variety of activities, while still focusing on being a family-friendly celebration. “We want to get people out of the house, and show our love and passion for winter,” said Rachael. The festival will take place at the Bemus Point Golf Course & Tap House from 12pm-6pm.
The Steffens are donating hot dogs and hamburgers for the grill. Each club will take turns cooking and serving, and all money collected from the grill will go to the clubs. Outside food vendors will be available, also, including Killa Kookies and Lake Life Café. In addition, booths can be rented by other groups for $40 each. These groups run the gamut from Shults Auto to other area clubs to individuals selling kettle corn and beaver hats. All booth rentals, and all profits from the food vendors, also go directly to the snowmobile clubs.
Recurring events include a Chinese auction, arguably one of the largest in the area. A fireworks show will start at 6pm. During the day, local volunteer fire departments will be showcasing their winter rescue equipment such as an ice boat and a side-by-side with tracks. The band Black Widow is playing all afternoon. “It’s not easy getting a band to agree to play outside,” Rachael pointed out. “But they love it, and they come back every year.”
And let’s not forget the Christmas tree bonfire! “The bonfire started as a practical joke,” Bryce noted. “My dad (Mike Steffen) and Norm Skillman (part of the Skillman family, owners of a local boutique) used to play pranks on each other. One year right after Christmas, dad put a sign in front of the Skillman Store saying that live Christmas trees could be disposed of there.” People started piling trees in the parking lot, and a surprised Norm had to figure out what to do with them.
By the time of the first Winterfest, Norm had passed away, and the Steffens wanted to do something at the event to remember him by. So, they put a sign in front of the golf course indicating it was a live tree drop-off point. All the trees collected were used in a bonfire at the Winterfest. “The bonfire was a hit, so we do it every year. And it helps the village,” said Bryce. For more information about Winterfest, see their facebook page.