Winterfest offers unique park views
The serene natural environment at Moraine State Park is not absent from the grounds just because they are covered by snow — Cassandra Dixon said she believes the winter landscape makes the park even more tranquil than the summer atmosphere.
The Moraine Preservation Fund nonprofit is inviting people to experience that tranquility through Winterfest on Saturday at McDanels Boat Launch at the park.
Dixon, the vice president of Moraine Preservation Fund, said the event will feature entertainment and activities for children and adults, including hikes through the trails that show off the unique winter views.
Dixon said the park’s trails are worth seeing in their winter state.
“We want to remind people that it's a good place to come even in the winter,” Dixon said. “All those acres are there to be explored in the winter ... and how beautiful and breathtaking it would be with the snow on the ground.”
Dixon said MPF hosted the first Winterfest nearly a decade ago, but it has not been held every year, including in 2021. The fest was last held in 2020, and Dixon said about 1,100 people attended, a turnout MPF hopes to replicate this year.
She said the weather plays a role in how many people attend the event. Ideal conditions would be a layer of snow covering the ground, but temperatures warm enough to keep people comfortable.
Dixon said in addition to trail tours, this year’s fest will have musical performances, a woodcarver, food vendors and contests such a marshmallow stuffing competition and a contest where people can vote on the best photograph taken at the park.
Dustin Drew, manager of Moraine State Park, said the park lets MPF take the lead on organizing the event, but park staff will be involved in the event as well.
“We'll have our educational staff there to answer any questions about what they can do in the park,” Drew said.
Dixon said that because MPF is a volunteer-run organization, it always is looking for more people to volunteer to help with events or maintenance at the park. People can register to be on Moraine’s volunteer list at www.dcnr.pa.gov.
Drew also said the park offers unique views and even different activities in the winter. Winterfest helps to draw attention to these activities.
“Under the right conditions, we have had a lot of people,” Drew said. “We like the event because it sort of refocuses people on the recreational opportunities in the winter.”
Winterfest takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at and around McDanels Boat Launch. The event is free to attend, but Dixon said vendors will charge for food or merchandise. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
