5 upcoming Jersey events made better by the blizzard
The season's worth of snow dumped on New Jersey over the weekend.
We have to admit, before the blizzard, ice sculptures this winter almost seemed like a pipe dream. Winter events ... well didn't feel very wintry at all.
But, we stand corrected (and on over 2 feet of snow). The spirit of winter is finally here, and that's got us excited for these five events:
The 2016 Lambertville New Hope Winter Festival Parade, Lambertville
This marks 19 years of what's now more than a week of family- and adult-oriented winter festivities. It was orginally slated for this past weekend, but the event's "snow date" is Saturday (Jan. 30). The parade is slated to step off at noon in New Hope.
Mummers bands, marching bands, floats, dancers, jugglers and other groups will make their way to New Jersey, across the Free Bridge into Lamberville.
Fire & Ice Festival, Historic Mount Holly
Visitors and locals can enjoy a chili cookoff, plus the works of professional and amateur ice carvers from all over the East Coast. Burlington County's tradition to break up the 'winter blues' continues on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 11 a.m until 4 p.m.
Laurita Winery Ice Sculpture Festival, New Egypt
This Ocean County winery scores lots of repeat customers. This Saturday and Sunday, it's offering a paid admission event that promises winter fun for all ages.
Highlights? Ice sculptures, classic winter activities, food trucks, fire pits and themed food and beverages — yes, including wine.
WinterFest at Thompson Park, Lincroft
Monmouth County parks presents a day of snowy, family fun.
Cross-country skiing, nature hikes, make & take crafts, wagon rides, a living history display and winter sports vendors, plus live music and food vendors. WinterFest is on Saturday, Jan. 30) from 1 until 5 p.m.
'Frozen in Ice' at Skylands Ice World, Augusta
Starting Feb. 5, Skylands Stadium is hosting its first-ever ice sculpture extravaganza. The paid admission indoor/outdoor event includes more than100 tons of ice transformed into displays. There's also a 50-foot ice slide, giant ice throne, and a life-sized ice cabin. Adults also can grab a drink in a custom ice bar. 'Frozen In Ice' will run through Feb. 28.
Erin Vogt is a lifelong Jersey Girl, whose first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee. A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.