By Kate Bartlett
This year marks the 6th annual Cassadaga Winter Festival, faithfully bringing chilly celebrations to the area since 2017. The Citizens for a Better Cassadaga proudly announce the Cassadaga Winter Festival to be held on Saturday, February 4 and Sunday, February 5.
The event has deep rooted history in the area as it was originally started by the Jaycee’s Organization over 46 years ago as a Winter Weekend. After a 25-year hiatus, the Citizens for a Better Cassadaga decided to reinstitute a Winter Festival in order to foster a sense of community through the winter months. What started as a small festival has evolved over the past 6 years with a variety of events for all ages.
Cynthia Flaherty is the Vice President of The Citizens for a Better Cassadaga (CBC) and chairperson for the Cassadaga Winterfest. The Citizens for a Better Cassadaga is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 with the mission of “working with local organizations and interested citizens to develop, promote, sponsor or support activities and events that benefit and engage the broader Cassadaga area and improve the quality of life for all residents.” The CBC sponsors a variety of events throughout the year fostering this mission including Light Up Cassadaga for the holiday season, Labor Day Festival and the Summer Concert Series on the floating stage in Lower Lake.
“It’s been a natural progression over the years” says Cynthia. “We’ve had a variety of events over the years and it’s changed a lot as the community becomes more involved. We’ve had a lot of people come up with some great additions to the festival, including the Polar Plunge and the Frozen 50K, which have become feature events. This year we have a full schedule and it’s really going to be a great weekend.”
Cassadaga Fire Hall. Sponsored by Wilson Endurance
The CBC will not disappoint in 2023, with a full schedule of events all weekend, no matter the weather. “Snow or no snow, the event will go on!” The Frozen 50K kicks off the event on Saturday at 8am starting at the Cassadaga Fire Hall. Sponsored by Wilson Endurance Sports, runners choose their distance from 1 lap (5K) to 10 laps (50K). This event was started 3 years ago, and has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Pre-registration ranges from $13 -25 with proceeds to benefit the Chautauqua County Fire Police and Cassadaga Food Pantry. Register online www.coachmarkwilson.com or day of the event beginning at 7am.
Beginning at 11am, guests can participate in a snow sculpture contest at Cassadaga Beach on Park Ave. Gather a team and create a masterpiece in the snow (or sand, if lack of snow). Judging begins at 12:30pm with cash prizes provided by the Cassadaga Lakes Association.
There’s more fun to be had at the beach from 12-2pm with music by DJ Joe Guild and chili and hot chocolate provided by Park Church. Sit around the campfire in Adirondack chairs, make s’mores, play tetherball or play hockey (on the basketball court). The Ice Scream Polar Dip takes place at 1pm sponsored by Red House. Be brave, and take a plunge into the chilly Lower Lake of Cassadaga Valley. “This is such a fun event, whether you’re participating or cheering on the swimmers. Every year is different depending on the lake temperature. As of now, we have no ice, but we’ll see what February 4th brings.” Cynthia took the plunge last year for the first time amongst about 20 other participants. “It’s exhilarating. The lake is cold, but the adrenaline keeps you warm!” Pre-register online www.coachmarkwilson.com or sign up the day of event.
Warm up at the Cassadaga Library (18 Maple Ave) with “Hedgehog at the Library” at 2pm. Guests can enjoy family friendly fun with a real live Hedgehog, story and craft. Evening entertainment will be provided by The Untouchables at the Cassadaga Legion Post 1280 (228 Maple Ave) from 7-10pm. According to Cynthia “This band has been entertaining for 3 decades with a blend of rhythm and blues, oldies rock and roll, classic soul and other musical styles. They deliver a high-energy performance designed to get everyone onto the dance floor and keep them there!” Everyone is invited to this free event sponsored by the Village of Cassadaga and American Legion Post 1280. Bubba’s Food Wagon will be in the parking lot beginning at 6:30pm serving crowd favorites and tasty treats.
Sunday February 5th features sledding at the Cassadaga Country Club from 1 -3pm with cookies and hot chocolate. Gather your family and friends, bring your own sleds and brave the big hill! (In case of no snow, this event will be cancelled.)
The Cassadaga Winter Festival will close with a Full Moon Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing on Sunday starting at 530. The tour will meet at 5:15 and leaves at 5:30 for a guided adventure through scenic Cassadaga Lakes Nature Park (8115 – 8119 Route 60). Choose from a short (1 hour) or long (1.5 hour) walk and enjoy the beauty of nature in the winter. Guests must provide their own skis/snowshoes, limited parking available (car pool if possible). In case of no snow, this event will become a hike.
Come discover the beauty of winter in Cassadaga and have some winter fun! Visit https://www.tourchautauqua.com/events/cassadaga-winter-festival-2 and follow Citizens for a Better Cassadaga @cbcassadaga on Facebook for event updates. Please call Cynthia directly at (716) 665-8855 with any questions or if interested in volunteering.