Thanks to all who braved the eighteen-degree (and windy) weather at the shore on February 12. Look for info about the 2013 Lakeside Winter Celebration later this year.
Join the Department of Recreation for the 28th annual Lakeside Winter Celebration at Ontario Beach Park!
Sunday, Feb. 12th, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Ontario Beach Park and the Port of Rochester Terminal. map
Use the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transporation Authority's Trip Planner to get a bus to Lakeside Winter Celebration
Download the 2012 brochure
Organizers of the 28th Annual Lakeside Winter Celebration are excited to again host this family-friendly winter event. The Terminal’s indoor space has been redesigned to better accommodate the large crowds anticipated. This is the perfect way to start off a romantic Valentine’s Week in the City!
The event, which is part of the city's annual Flower City Looking Good--Winter Adventures program, is organized by the all-volunteer Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and sponsored by the City of Rochester and Monroe County. It is a major anchor for the Greater Rochester Visitors Association’s annual Coldrush, which promotes Rochester as a regional winter destination for fun through a wide array of winter activities and events!
This Year's Activities
Rec on the Move: the City Bureau of Recreation’s Rec on the Move mobile recreation center will be on–site, packed with a variety of winter-time fun activities for kids and families including free snowshoe lessons, nerf snow-bowl, healthy treats and more. City staff will also be leading a winter hike along the Genesee Riverway Trail, starting from the Terminal entrance at 1p.m.
The second annual Lake Ontario Ice Wine Festival and Farmers Market, in the Port Terminal. Celebrate and taste (6 tastes for $5) these “sweet” gifts of winter in Western New York. Wine will also be available by the bottle for purchase. Event organizer Dave Bauer of Lake Ontario Winery and Vineyards expects at least 10 wineries to participate in this inaugural event as well as several farmers featuring maple syrup, cider, jams and jellies and winter produce.
The 12th Annual Polar Plunge kicks off the celebration at 12 p.m., when more than 1,000 winter enthusiasts are anticipated to dive into the icy waters of Lake Ontario to help raise funds for the New York Special Olympics. As usual the event includes a highly competitive and always crowd-pleasing costume contest. Perennially this event was the most successful Special Olympics fundraiser in New York State. For more information
or to register, visit www.polarplunge.net or call (585) 586-7400 ext. 105.
The 18th Annual Chilly Chili Challenge., 12 to 3 p.m., will be held at the Port of Rochester Terminal. Both professional and amateur participants will vie for the coveted Best Chili in Rochester prize. Restaurants, caterers, civic groups and amateur chefs are encouraged to apply--go to www.cityofrochester.gov/chili.
The annual Snow Sculpture Contest has been expanded and will again feature cash prizes ($100 for 1st place adult, $50 for youth under 16). New rules will allow pre-registered participants an opportunity to begin their creations on Saturday. Pre-register by calling (585) 428-6135. Contestants can also register on-site beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday. The theme this year is "Ice Castles".
Other activities will include a dogsled demonstration, snowshoe demonstrations and lessons, free horse-drawn sleigh rides and children’s games. Enjoy the country sound of local performer George Hogan and his band.
In addition to scrumptious chili, refreshments will be available for a fee, ranging from hots and hamburgers to sushi from California Rollin’ II. Pier 45 will also be offering a special Valentine's dinner for two all weekend and Charlotte institution Dominic's will feature a full menu with specials designed for romance.
For more information: call 311 (outside the city call 585-428-5990) or the City’s Bureau of Recreation at 428‑6770; call the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee for more information at 865-3320. Also visit www.goforthecold.com or call the Lakeside Cold and Hot Line: 428-6767.
Complete schedule
Snow sculpture: registration opens at 8 a.m. in the Port Terminal, Judging at 1 p.m.
Polar Plunge for Special Olympics: 12 p.m., Robach Center at Ontario Beach Park
Chilly Challenge: 12 to 3 p.m., Port Terminal
Ice Wine Festival: 12 to 3 p.m., Port Terminal
Rec on the Move mobile recreation center: 12 to 3 p.m. outside Port Terminal
Music by George Hogan: 12 to 3 p.m., Port Terminal
Horse drawn wagon rides: 12 to 3 p.m., Ontario Beach Park
Frostbiters sailboat races: 12 to 2 p.m., Genesee River
Awards Ceremony: 3:30 p.m., Port Terminal
Refreshments available for a fee: 12 to 4 p.m.