BIDDEFORD — After winter storm Juno, conditions are perfect for a great weekend of outdoor activities at the city’s annual WinterFest, from Feb. 6-8.

This year’s event features the Adams Street Summit ”“ a steep sledding hill right in the heart of downtown ”“ as well as a cardboard sled derby, other family activities on Adams Street, events at City Theater, West Brook Skating Rink, the Biddeford Ice Arena, McArthur Library, and boys and girls basketball tournaments in the Parish Hall. The weekend coincides with Dudziak’s gymnastics Frostbite Invite, which will bring 700 families to the area, as well as two University of New England hockey games against Babson and UMass Boston.

Mayor Alan Casavant came up with the idea for WinterFest several years ago, and called upon community member John Maxson and many community organizations and city departments to organize the events.

“We have always wanted WinterFest to have something for everyone, and I think we’re achieving that this year,” said Casavant. 

“Saturday afternoon’s cardboard sled derby looks to be a real highlight this year,” said Delilah Poupore, Heart of Biddeford’s executive director. “People can sign up in advance, then compete for fastest time and best design. Volk packaging has provided free cardboard, and Engine and McArthur Public Library are both providing workshops prior to the event, if people need a little support in making their sled. Thanks to a donation from our downtown clothing store Suger there will be cash prizes in three age categories for the sled derby.”

“Our new downtown restaurant Portland Pie is donating free pizza from 3-5 p.m. on Adams Street during the derby too,” added Poupore.

But you don’t have to be competitive to enjoy WinterFest. Friday night begins with a community art exhibit in City Hall, then there will be the Wild Winter Olympics ”“ geared toward people who just want to show up and have some fun in the snow.

Later that night at City Theater, Juston McKinney will once again keep the crowds laughing at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows. Saturday and Sunday will feature sledding on the hill, snowshoeing and snow golf, lots of community booths, pony rides, and even kids games like Angry Birds Live, thanks to New Morning Church. For those who need a trip inside, McArthur PublicLibrary has a Cold Hands Warm Hearts craft event on Saturday.

Broomball enthusiasts are invited to the Biddeford Ice Arena on Saturday afternoon for a gathering at 1 p.m., followed by an exhibition game by UNE students. Sunday’s highlight is free skating and pizza at West Brook Skating Rink. Kids who love the movie “Frozen” will enjoy a free showing of the movie at 2 p.m. on Sunday at McArthur Library.

WinterFest is a collaboration of many partners, including the city of Biddeford, St. Jean de Baptiste, Heart of Biddeford, La Kermesse, Chamber of Commerce, New Life Church, McArthur Public Library, Biddeford High School Basketball, West Brook Skating Rink, New Hope Church, University of New England and City Theater.

WinterFest is sponsored by Biddeford Savings, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Saco Biddeford Savings Institution, Suger, Downtown Development Commission, Casella, Woodman Edmands Danylik and Austin, John Dee, Phil Labbe, Thyng Paving, Larry Patoine Construction, Volk Packaging, Bob Letellier Realtor, Hannafords, MidTown Music, WinterKids, Biddeford Ice Arena, Blow Brothers and Portland Pie.

Festival goers can find detailed information about WinterFest on Heart of Biddeford’s website and on the Biddeford WinterFest 2015 Facebook page. For more information, contact Heart of Biddeford at [email protected] or 284-8520.