The Homer Winterfest is a family-friendly weekend chock full of events, kid's activities, entertainment, dining, shopping and more!
It's that special time of year again! Winterfest returns to the Village of Homer! This winter favorite returns with an activity-packed weekend that will feature over 30 different events and activities from Friday through Sunday, January 26-28!
Here are 20 reasons to revel in all the Winterfest fun coming to Homer.
Meet & Greet
Phillips Free Library is hosting local author & illustrator Jacob Souva for a "Spend some time exploring your imagination" book talk. Bring the littles (k-6) by from 4-5pm for a children's talk and the big kids (teen/adult) 5:30-6:30pm! Pre-register by e-mail: office@phillipsfreelibrary.org
Burnin' Hot
There's no better way to kick off the festival than with a toasty bonfire. Bundle up and stroll behind the fire station, where the Homer Fire Department will be building a spectacular warming fire starting at 6:30 p.m.
Light Up the Sky
Just as the bonfire is waning, look to the sky for the full-blown professional fireworks by American Fireworks! The fireworks will be launched from Carroway Hill beginning at 6:50 p.m.
Ice, Ice baby
Check out the finely chiseled works of art as the village is turned into a glowing ice display during the festival. Live ice carving demos at 11:30 a.m. near the Fire Station by Ice Farm.
Snow Place Like Homer
Walk through the village and gaze at the beautiful snow sculptures created by the locals. You can see the sculptures being made from Jan. 20 through Jan. 26, with a map of winners posted downtown and at the Junior High School on Saturday. Don't fret if it's a 'green' Winterfest. People who participate are encouraged to be creative and use alternative materials. If you'd like to stretch your creative muscle, call Steve at (607) 591-6337 to enter.
Something Fishy
Delight your taste buds at the Homer Elks Lodge Fish Fry Dinner from 5-7 p.m. Proceeds go to the Elks Lodge. Later shake your grove thing to DJ Philly C’s tunes in the lounge from 7:30-9pm.
Local Van Goghs
The Center for the Arts of Homer presents The Community Arts Challenge Grand Opening! Check visual art entries and performances of the music, dance, poetry and drama entries of over 80 local artists! Live performances will begin at 7pm. This is a fun, unique event and a great way to show your support for the artists of Cortland County.
Stack 'em Up
Start the second day of Winterfest with a heaping plate of pancakes at the annual Pancake Breakfast. The volunteers at the Homer Fire Department Hose Company #2 will be cooking up a really good breakfast from 8-11am at the Paul Hill Community Building
Marvelous Markets
Shop local and pick up some treats at the Antiques Sale and Small Crafts Sale at the Homer Intermediate & Junior High School. Browse the collection of antiques and handmade items from local artisans and craft vendors.
Fun & Games
Try your hand at some fun kid-friendly winter games at the Homer Elementary School! From face paintings to crafts, cookie decorating to games, there will be more than enough to keep the kiddos entertained. If you're looking for the ultimate educational reptile experience, look out for Dan the Snake Man. Doors open at 10 a.m.
Hacks & Sacks
It's time to hit the gym! The Homer Trojans are hosting a cornhole tournament and baseball hitting clinic in Homer High School Gym on Saturday from 10am-2pm.
No Shoe Like Show Shoe
Try your hand (errr foot?) at snowshoeing with a free demo by Lime Hollow Nature Center on Saturday at the Bandstand at 11;30. Then strap on a pair and take a stroll!
Take the Reins
The Human Dog Sled Competition is sort of like regular dog sled races. Except instead of dogs, 4-5 people pull sleds carrying one more person through the Homer Village Green. It's a wacky tradition that's a sight to behold. Want to participate? Bring your sled, 2-4 runners and one rider. There are three age categories: Ages 13 & under, 14-18 and 19 & up. Races begin at 11am.
Wine Time
Regional wines and cheeses can be found at the wine-tasting event at the American Legion from 1-4 p.m. Taste the best from wineries around the central New York region. If you find one you like, you can purchase a bottle to take home with you. Anderson's Farm Market will also be on hand with a delectable array of cheeses.
Just Wing It
Homer Winter Wingfest has arrived and with it the consumption of hundreds of wings! Grab a heaping plate of them at the Homer Elks Lodge between 1-3:30pm, and cheer on local celebrities as they test their wing-eating abilities at the popular Wing Eating Contest. While you're there, be sure to sample some of the area's finest craft breweries.
Happy as a Clam
If you love clams, then the annual Winter Clamfest is where you'll get your fill! This very popular event begins at 4pm. at the Homer Elks Lodge. Only pre-sale tickets are available, so call ahead today, as this event sells out quickly. Tickets can be bought at the Homer Elks Lodge or call (607) 749-4200.
Hungry? Why Wait…
If you’re still hungry after a day of pancakes, chili, and clams, visit one of the village’s sit-down eateries. Dasher’s Corner Pub and The Exchange offer a diverse menu of steaks, seafood, burgers, salads, sandwiches and more, while The Exchange Bakery and Sinfully Sweet have a delicious selection of sweets and treats.
Village Shopping
Enjoy a shopping adventure in between festival events at one of Homer's small shops. Purchase an "I Vacationed in Homer" t-shirt from Homer Men & Boys, or find the perfect trinket for your home at Ash Decor. Bev & Co. carries a wide selection of women's clothing and jewelry, or pocket a unique find at Gail's Antiques or Olde Homer House.
Laugh Until You Cry
The Homer Teachers' Association presents a Big Kid Comedy Show. Laugh until you cry at this adults-only comedy event. 607 Comedy: A Professional Comedy Troupe takes the stage at Center for the Arts at 7pm, for a night of adult-oriented humor. So, higher a sitter, grab a date, and get ready to laugh your sock off!
Big Finish
The Homer WinterFest comes to a wrap Sunday morning with a big breakfast at Homer Elks Lodge from 8am till noon. Load up on carbs before bundling up to take in all the ice and snow sculptures one more time before heading home.
These are just some of the great events that make up Homer Winterfest. Brochures with the full schedule and map are available at most area businesses, including the Experience Cortland office. The event’s website, www.homerwinterfest.org contain links to everything WinterFest including schedules, event descriptions, photos, and how to participate.
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