WinterFest set for Jan. 24-27

WinterFest returns for a 15th time to Blowing Rock Jan. 24 to 27, mixing the fiery heat of chili, bonfires and toasted marshmallows with the frozen-crusted Polar Plunge and ice carving.

New this year is WinterFashions, which includes soup-and-sandwich lunch at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort and a showing of winterwear and new spring arrivals from Blowing Rock apparel retailers.

Daily highlights are as follows. For a full schedule of events and ticket sales, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Thursday, Jan. 24: WinterFest gets underway with the first of four days of “shop ’til you drop” at downtown shops and at the Tanger Outlet Shoppes on the Parkway. That evening is WinterFeast, hosted by Timberlake’s Restaurant, with menu items from Timberlake’s and other Blowing Rock restaurants.

After each seating, visitors can visit Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub to enjoy winter ales craft beer tastings and then meet the distributors.

Friday events include “shop ’til you drop,” WinterFashions and live music, along with Wine, Cheese & Art on Sunset Drive and special prices at Appalachian Ski Mountain.

Saturday is packed with events, highlighted by the mid-morning Polar Plunge into icy Chetola Lake. There will also be a chili cook-off, “shop ’til you drop,” children’s activities, a raffle and silent auction, hot chocolate, ice carving demonstration, wine tasting at the Green Park Inn, wine auction, an evening bonfire and live music.

Chilly and Crystal – the WinterFest SnowFolks mascots – will be married in a downtown ceremony at 3 p.m.WinterFest wraps up on Sunday, Jan. 27, with a pancake breakfast, followed by “shop ’til you drop,” jazz brunch at Canyons and the “Winter Paws” dog show.

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce toll free at (877) 295-7801 or the visitor center at (877) 750-4636 or visit http://www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce produces WinterFest, which is presented by Hendrick Automotive Group.