Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Winterfest makes a comeback

Winterfest will be back this winter – but not on Main Street.

It’s a shame, said Jamie Jessen as she addressed the city council on behalf of the Sundance Chamber of Commerce. But at this time, it’s the only way to keep the popular event going.

Jessen and chamber president Sheryl Klocker visited the council to iron out some of the finer details for the event, which centers around the sport of ski joring.

Winterfest is scheduled for February 4, 2023, Jessen said, and will be taking place at the county fairgrounds.

The reason for this, she explained, is that there are “too many variables” for the organization in charge of the ski joring to be interested in locating the action on Main Street, the biggest of which is the difficulty organizers have had in getting enough snow to the site over the last few years.

She asked the council for permission to work with Public Works Director Mac Erickson to begin hauling snow over to the fairgrounds as it is removed from the streets over the winter, ensuring that the stockpile begins early.

The council had no issue with this request, although Mayor Paul Brooks pointed out that the Crook County Fair Board will need to be in agreement.

Jessen concurred, explaining that the plans had been confirmed only that morning, and chamber members intend to speak with the fair board at the first available opportunity, which will be their next meeting.

After discussing portapotties and whether peddler permits will be required, Jessen acknowledged that it’s a shame for local businesses that the event won’t be taking place on Main Street. She expressed her hope that visitors will still come into town to eat and shop during the day.

Unfortunately, she said, after the trials of the last few years as the chamber has struggled to find volunteer help, this is the only way to keep the event going at all.

Brooks commiserated with Jessen, noting that people who disliked the event taking place in the downtown area “crucified” the original volunteers who were doing the heavy lifting, which led to some people feeling disenfranchised.

It’s sad to lose Winterfest on Main Street, he said, because, “It hurts the town”.

 
 
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