Tracy Nuss (left) and Neal Bentley (right) are already for a little skating and hockey with West Union Parks and Rec director, Kathy Guyer, as it is finally cold enough to fill the West Union skating rink week. The rink will be available during the first annual Winter Fest on Saturday, January 11 at Rotary Park in West Union. (Megan Molseed photo)
A whole lot of winter fun at Winter Fest 2020 Saturday evening
By Megan Molseed
mmolseed@thefayettecountyunion.com
Whether or not it’s true that someone forgot to order the cold weather, it looks as though it may finally be here! With that cold weather comes some winter excitement as West Union area residents gear up for the first annual Winter Fest celebration this Saturday, January 11.
“We’ve had to adjust some things here and there,” noted West Union Parks and Rec director, Kathy Guyer of the event, which was originally scheduled for January 4.
“We were waiting for it to get cold enough to fill the ice-rink,” she continued. “Well, not just fill it, but cold enough to make sure it froze so people could actually use it!”
Originally, the Winter Fest event was to include a variety of winter fun events including cross-country skiing and Skijoring (cross country skiing with a k-9 companion) both of which will likely not be occurring during the weekend event.
“Unless some miracle comes through giving us at least four inches of snow in time for us to make the paths, those events are out for this year,” said Guyer. “That is okay, though, because we have plenty of other things for people to do!”
This first annual event is the result of some brainstorming between Guyer and some community members.
“The original idea was to hold a fireworks display on New Years Eve,” Guyer explained.
“With New Years Eve falling midweek, the idea changed to holding it that following weekend,” she continued. “As everyone started talking about it, the ideas grew and grew into what we now call Winter Fest!”
The event will be held from 4- 8 p.m. on Saturday, January 11 at Rotary Park in West Union. There will also be scenic carriage rides throughout the West Union Rec Center lights display during the event.
“The Festival of Lights committee has graciously agreed to keep most of its display up through the 11th, so people can drive through the lights,” noted Guyer, adding that carriage rides will be free to all. “The carriage will pick up the sight-seers at the pool and take them through the displays.”
The event will also include an all-motorized vehicle Poker Run, which will end at 5 p.m.
Business sponsoring the poker run are: Turkey River Saloon, Shooter’s, The Zipper, Horseshoe, Bambino’s, Jimmy D’s, Tap’t Out Stein ‘n’ Dine, Brick City, Top Hat, Whiskey Grove, The Fort, Casa Mexico Tequila, and Aphea’s.