Garrett County Government - Department of Business Development

Winter Fest Set in Oakland Next Weekend

Last Updated on Feb 8, 2019 at 9:16am | Tourism & Recreation

Article courtesy of NCWV Media - The Republican. Staff Writer: Brenda Ruggiero. Submitted photo.
 
 
Oakland’s 12th annual Winter Fest will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, and will once again feature expert ice sculptor Bill Sandusky. Sculptures will remain on display on Sunday, as well.
 
With his ice carving company, Erie Ice Works, Sandusky has been a member of the National Ice Carvers’ Association since 1999. He worked in Western Pennsylvania for 18 years, lived in Colorado for a time, and has returned to Erie, PA.
 
New this year will be a Winter Fest Wine Walk, sponsored by Electronic Diagnostic Center. It is planned for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Winter Fest visitors will be able to purchase a ticket for $10 at the gazebo downtown and sample approximately 12 different wines around the downtown area.
 
There will also be snow forts for snowball battles, sponsored by Taylor Made Deep Creek Vacations and Sales and Lowe’s Home Improvement.
 
The popular huge ice chair will be back this year, sponsored by Garrett Regional Medical Center.
 
In addition, there will be over 20 other carvings, some of which will be interactive. Sandusky will do some live carving on Saturday throughout the day.
 
Patriot Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram will also sponsor a new sculpture this year.
 
“This is a fantastic, family fun, free event,” said Michelle Ross, Oakland’s business coordinator. “There is plenty to do for adults and children. We have several new shops and restaurants, as well as several museums and events specific to Winter Fest.”
 
More information can be found at www.oaklandmd.com and on the Facebook page A Great Small Town.