Lots of Snow, But No Winterfest This Year

Organizer Drew Cerza (pictured left, in past year's festivals) posted a note on their Facebook page, saying the Winterfest and Powder Keg Festival are on hiatus this year, and will be back in 2014 at its new home, on Buffalo's Waterfront.

He cites the uncertainty at First Niagara Center, due to the long-running NHL lockout.

In past years the festival has been a celebration of snow, even one year shutting down a Thruway off ramp and using it as a toboggan run.

“We wear the label ‘snow belt’ like a badge of honor, thumbing our frosted noses at the wintery misconceptions and stereotypes that pervade the national consciousness,” Cerza said  “This is Buffalo’s opportunity to show our wintery civic pride.”

Outdoor highlights in past years have included a Snowman Making Challenge, ice carving and wood carving, ice-skating at Rotary Rink, and a  broomball tournament.

Last year’s event drew more than 30,000 people.