Latest news with #AmherstRecreation
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate the magic of winter at Amherst's 2nd annual WinterFest Games
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – In Amherst, the annual WinterFest Games will be held on Saturday. UMass opens multipurpose space in downtown Amherst This day is full of family fun and friendly competition, complete with snowball fights, street hockey, and a Frosty Fun Carnival. There will also be the return of the Atkins Farms Cider Donut Eating Contest. The WinterFest Games, which is organized by the Amherst Recreation and sponsored by Amherst Innovative Living and The Mill District General Store & Local Art Gallery, will be held at the Mill River Recreation Area in Amherst. It runs from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. This is in part of eight day long celebration, with festivities running until February 23rd. Some of the other events are as follows: 5th Annual Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria on the Town Common – Saturday, February 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Educational Experiences – Embark on a WinterFest Story Walk with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, take a 'Step Back in Time' at the Beneski Museum of Natural History, explore art and activities at the Mead Art Museum, learn how residents kept warm through the centuries at the Amherst History Museum, and discover the science behind ice cream with Herrell's Ice Cream. Free Performances – Live music will be performed throughout the week from Roger Tincknell, Chhandika Chhandam Institute, and Carrie Ferguson and the Grumpy Time Band. 'Whether you're looking for active fun, educational experiences, or ways to enjoy the coldweather, WinterFest has you covered,' said Becky Demling, Amherst Recreation OutreachDirector. 'Most events are free or have minimal admission fees, making it an affordable way toenjoy the winter season with friends and family.' For the full schedule of events, visit their website. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fifth annual Fire & Ice Festival returns to Amherst
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – The Amherst Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Amherst Recreation, has announced the return of the fifth annual Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria. Diana's Bakery in Agawam announced closure, hundreds to lose jobs The festival serves as the grand finale of Amherst's week-long WinterFest and has become a signature event for the town, drawing over 2,000 attendees each year. It is set to take place on Saturday, February 22, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Amherst Commons. 'The Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria is a cherished tradition that brings our community of local families and residents, students, and seniors together to celebrate the beauty and excitement of the winter season,' said Sarah Barr of Amherst College, which presents the event. 'We invite everyone to join us for an afternoon filled with art, performances, and delicious treats, all while supporting our local businesses.' Festival-goers can enjoy hot cocoa and s'mores by open fire pits, as well as witnessing ten intricately designed ice sculptures scattered throughout Amherst Commons. Other activities include winter tie-dye crafting with Amherst Recreation and live artistic demonstrations, including metal sculpting by Hampshire College alum Kamil Peters and wood carving by local artist Cody Stosz of Kodiak Carving. Entertainment will feature a fire arts performance by Matica Arts, bringing high-energy juggling and flame-based artistry to the festival. Guests can also indulge in special menu items from the Inn on Boltwood, including seasonal food and cocktails. The Amherst Fire Department will be in attendance, offering fire safety information and giving visitors the chance to meet Spark the Fire Pup. 'This festival not only celebrates the winter season but also highlights the vibrant community spirit of Amherst,' said John Page, Executive Director of the Amherst BID. 'We encourage everyone to explore downtown Amherst's unique shops and restaurants before and after the event.' The Fire & Ice Festival and Luminaria is made possible through the support of local businesses and community partners, including presenting sponsor Amherst College, with additional sponsorship from Summerlin Floors, Encharter Insurance, and Amherst Innovative Living. For more information and event updates, visit their website or follow @amherstdowntown on social media. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
