Winterfest 2010

What a glorious winter day we experienced on Saturday, January 16th as we celebrated the 13th annual WinterFest on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.

After a very long cold snap, the sun came out and provided beautiful 40 plus degree weather. In turn, hundreds upon hundreds of people attended the WinterFest.

The "Best of Chili" competition was one of the highlights of the day. Sixteen pots of chili (about 48 gallons) were tasted by hundreds of event goers who voted for their favorite. Participating in this year's competition were:

• Pot NumberFood Establishment
• #2Global Palate
• #3The Would
• #4Del Forno's Deli
• #5Main Street Cafe
• #6El Paso Deli
• #8P&G's
• #9Highland Bagel Cafe
• #10Wagon Wheel Deli (meat chili)
• #11Wagon Wheel Deli (vegetarian chili)
• #12Sal's Place
• #13Casa Mia
• #14Village Grill
• #15Elia's Catering
• #16Hard Roll Deli
• #17Hudson Baking Co.
• #18Dubliner Irish Pub

Tying for "Best of Fest People's Choice Award" was Pot #2 (Global Palate) and Pot #9 (Highland Bagel Cafe).

For the first time ever, a "Vegetarian" category was awarded, with Pot #11 (Wagon Wheel Deli) taking the top honor.

The Children's Tent featured volunteers from Lowe's Home Center who provided craft materials and worked with the children to make special projects. Outdoor children's activities included the Snowman ring toss/knock the hat-off game, bowling, beanbag games and a "Find it on the Trail" photo scavenger hunt.

The tractor drawn wagon rides were a big hit, as were the hot dogs, hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows and roasted chestnuts.

It was a great family fun day as families enjoyed the festival, walked the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and explored the 1915 New York, New Haven and Hartford caboose located alongside the Highland Rotary Pavilion.

Next year's event is scheduled for Saturday, January 15th, 2011 - Mark your calendars!