When life gives you winter, make Winterfest — the inaugural celebration of which happens at Lincroft’s Thompson Park this Saturday afternoon.
“Cross your fingers and hope for snow!” reads the perky press release for Winterfest, a celebration of the season that arrives at Lincroft’s Thompson Park for a first-ever edition this Saturday, January 10. A presentation of the Monmouth County Parks System, the event is designed to “banish the winter blues” with a wonderland of outdoor activities that range from a Frozen-themed scavenger hunt and broomball games for the kids, to cross-country ski and snowshoe clinics for grownup trekkers (with gear rentals available).
There’s a great deal more to be found under the weak winter sun between the hours of 1:30 and 5:30 pm — including such all-ages diversions as ice skating (bring your own skates), horse-drawn sleigh rides, a snowman building contest and snowball fight — much of it weather-permitting of course, but with enough snowless fun (winter crafts, costume character parade) to make it worth a visit.
Live music, ice sculptures, decorative lighting and outdoor cooking demos are also on display — and perhaps best of all, there’s an invitation to “warm up by the outdoor fireplace and enjoy a hot drink.” While some activities require a fee, the admission and parking are free — and additional info is available by calling the Parks System at (732)842-4000.