Tag: #winterfun

Celebrate the 9th Annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk – February 21 & 22, 2026

Get ready to experience winter at its finest during the 9th Annual Winter Weekend in Norfolk (WIN), happening Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22. Set in the hills of northwestern Connecticut, every winter Norfolk transforms into a lively hub of creativity, community, and cold-weather charm. Whether you’re drawn by outdoor adventures, art exhibits, or toe-tapping live music, WIN brings together the best of small-town charm and seasonal cheer. Enjoy everything from concerts to hands-on workshops and family-friendly events—all wrapped in the winter beauty of New England. The best part of WIN is that most events are free! For a full lineup and details of events and activities, be sure to visit weekendinnorfolk.org



Free Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
You may want to start your adventure by joining photographer Doug McDevitt for a hands-on Winter Photography Workshop, where you’ll pick up expert tips on capturing the season’s natural glow and composing truly stunning shots. Then, step outside and explore the breathtaking, unspoiled beauty of Norfolk—a true winter wonderland just waiting to be framed. It’s the perfect chance to sharpen your skills while creating images worthy of Instagram!

Nature lovers, you won’t want to miss the Norfolk Conservation Committee’s native wildflower seed giveaway! It’s the perfect chance to pick up some seeds and learn how to transform your own backyard into a buzzing pollinator paradise. If you lean more toward art and history, you’re in for a treat—take a tour of the stunning stained glass windows at Battell Chapel, Church of Christ Congregational and Immaculate Conception Church. These breathtaking works are historic masterpieces by renowned artisans like Louis Comfort Tiffany, D. Maitland Armstrong, and Franz Mayer of Munich.

For history buffs and fashion enthusiasts alike, The Romance of Worth: The Eldridge Sisters and the Centennial at the Norfolk Historical Society is a must-see. This captivating exhibition unveils decades of history through the lives of the Eldridge family, with a special spotlight on two bespoke gowns made by the House of Worth, the legendary 19th century Parisian fashion house credited with inventing haute couture. To deepen the experience, visitors are invited to a special gallery talk offering rare insights into the painstaking process of restoring these delicate garments for display.

For fans of interior design and historic craftsmanship, WIN offers another wonder: a live demonstration of the ancient art of chair rushing—a practice dating back to the 4th century BCE, at the Berkshire Store. Artisan Susannah Anderson brings this timeless skill to life, weaving reeds and natural fibers to create supportive, beautiful seats right before your eyes. Rushing, along with other seat-weaving techniques such as cane and Danish cord, reflects generations of practical artistry that remains relevant in artisanal furnishing today. After soaking in fashion history, and living craftsmanship, round out your WIN day out at Joseph Stannard Antiques & Design’s open house.

Art aficionados can dive into Norfolk’s vibrant scene as well. Explore two artists’ studios, Ruthann Olsson’s and Cheryl Heller’s, and connect with artists Katie Atkinson and Jeremiah Bickford during special Meet the Artist sessions to uncover the inspiration behind their work. And be sure to see the pop up art show by the Norfolk Artists & Friends at Wildwood 1880, a classic Victorian inn; they’ll be holding an early bird reception on Friday evening. Wildwood 1880 is also hosting a pop-up bakery and bookshop to add to the fun.

Sports enthusiasts, don’t miss the action at the Norfolk Curling Club, where you can soak up the excitement of live curling matches while enjoying refreshments in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the fascinating strategy and teamwork behind one of the world’s oldest sports! If you’re a fishing fan, there’s a special Fly Tying workshop—perfect for both curious beginners and seasoned anglers eager to refine their craft.

Families are well taken care of, too. On Sunday, the Hub transforms into a downtown haven for kids, offering children’s films, hot chocolate, and popcorn—all the ingredients for a perfect family outing on a chilly day, courtesy of the Hub and the National Iron Bank. And, up at Botelle Elementary School, there’s a blizzard of fun things for kids and their parents to do.

As always, Norfolk’s love for music comes alive at this year’s Winter WIN. Warm up with an exciting lineup—feel the energy of a brass quintet at the Norfolk Library, relax to the soulful sounds of Michael Cobb’s at The Hub, and be dazzled by award-winning pianist Po-Wei Ger’s classical concert.


In addition to all these free events, there’s so much more happening. The Icebox Café and Berkshire Country Store are rolling out WIN Weekend specials you won’t want to miss, and two pop-up bakeries are joining the fun with irresistible treats. Then there are events that are ticketed, including a mushroom workshop, or that request a donation, such as an evening coffeehouse with live music and refreshments. For a full schedule and the latest updates, visit weekendinnorfolk.org

The WIN Committee, now in its twelfth year, is a volunteer-powered team dedicated to organizing Norfolk’s Summer and Winter WIN festivals. With support from town officials, the Economic Development Commission, and countless local organizations and individuals, these events welcome visitors from near and far to experience all that Norfolk has to offer

JanetLeave a comment

Salisbury Winter Sport’s Association’s Annual Ski Swap – December 7th

For decades the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) has paved the way for winter sports in the Litchfield Hills. From ski jumping to Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding opportunity abounds in northwest Connecticut. If you are looking to resell your equipment or upgrade on a budget head to the annual SWSA Ski Swap and Sale on Saturday, December 7th at the Lakeville Hose Company at 4 Brook Street from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., pick –up and payment from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.

SWSA, a 90 year old tradition in Salisbury, is an all volunteer, non profit organization dedicated teaching young athletes the skills needed to enjoy the exhilaration of Nordic ski jumping, cross-country, and Alpine skiing that instills a life-long sense of accomplishment and confidence. As part of their mission, SWSA offers a series of training classes, competitive events, and a winter jump camp overseen by a former SWSA jumper and member of the US Junior National Team. They also host the annual Jumpfest Competition and the U.S. Eastern Ski Jumping Championships that will be held this year on January 31, February 1 – 2, 2025.

Whether you want to upgrade, sell, or start a new hobby, you will find everything you need to outfit your family’s winter sports needs at this sale. For bargain hunters there will be used skates starting at $2, skis and snowboards starting around $50, and ski boots for $10 and up. In addition to used equipment, you will find a large selection of new winter sports equipment and clothes including ski hats, parkas, gloves, goggles, and socks as well as snow shoes, and down hill and cross country ski boots and binders at discounted prices.

If you have equipment to sell, drop off your items at the Lakeville Hose Company on Friday, December 6 between the hours of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Used equipment that will be accepted includes downhill and cross country skis, boots, and poles, ice skates, hockey equipment (no sticks), snowboards, and snowshoes. Clothing is not accepted. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon, participants can pick up unsold equipment and money from things that sold – the good news is that SWSA doesn’t take a commission! Any equipment not picked up will become the property of SWSA. Proceeds from the sale will benefit several SWSA ski programs offered to young athletes. For additional information https://jumpfest.org.


ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

JanetLeave a comment

Hot Chocolate Festival @ White Silo Farm

There is no better way to warm up to winter than sipping on Hot Chocolate at White Silo Farm in Sherman. On Saturday, February 3, and Sunday, February 4 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. White Silo Farm is celebrating its third hot chocolate and s’mores festival!

Guests will have the chance to taste four types of hot chocolate – white, milk, dark, and Mexican. It is fun to top off your cups with homemade marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and other fixings. They have also added homemade S’mores to eat with your hot chocolate(s). Bring your friends and enjoy a WARM afternoon in their winery, it is an ideal way to spend a cold winter day. Special food items to pair with your hot chocolate will be available to purchase To add to the fun, there will be live music on both days from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday Al Rivoli will perform and on Sunday Don Lowe will be at the farm to entertain guests.

The price is $25 per person. It includes one glass of wine or nonalcoholic beverage to sip with your hot chocolate(s). They have scheduled two sessions each day, the first from 12 noon – 2 p.m. and the second from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Advance tickets are required and limited. We hope that you can join us. For tickets click here.

JanetLeave a comment

Take Part in Salisbury’s JumpFest Human Dog Sled Race February 2 @ Satre Hill

Jumpfest, organized by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA), isn’t just about aspiring Olympic Ski Jumpers, it also offers tons of fun including one of the most sought-after winter events found only in six or so other places around the world…the Human Dog Sled Race! As a beloved tradition at Jumpfest, this year’s Human Dog Sled Race is taking place on Friday, February 2 at Satre Hill in Salisbury. The race will begin just after the Target Jumps conclude around 8:30 p.m. The ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. and that is when team members should arrive to organize their sled and confirm their registration.

If you are wondering what a Human Dog Sled Race is…think traditional dogsledding with a twist! Participating is easy. All you have to do is gather up a kennel of friends who are at least 18 years old and have a moderate level of fitness because this .3-mile snow course is not without peril. The teams consist of six people including five pulling the sled and one riding in it.

Teams compete for trophies in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories. In addition to awards for speed and fleet of foot, a very special award is given out, the People’s Choice Award for the Best Costume and Sled, making designing your sled part of the fun and challenge. Sleds can be made from just about anything that will glide over the snow track. They can be as simple as an inner tube, elaborately colorful contraptions, or techy steam-punk inventions! Let your team’s imagination run wild! Many contestants dress for the occasion to raise team camaraderie.

Registration is open through February 1; just send an email to info@jumpfest, attention Brian to enter. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team that includes free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs.

An added bonus is that Friday night of Jumpfest is an all-around great time in a beautiful alpine setting. An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide visitors to the site where there are two roaring bonfires and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the lights, and both are professionally announced.! For more information about Jumpfest https://jumpfest.org

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION
The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut and the Eastern United States.

JanetLeave a comment