BIDDEFORD — This past weekend, Biddeford hosted an event to kick aside the winter blues and find some fun in the cold weather. Luckily, Mother Nature cooperated at the last minute.

From Friday to Sunday, the third annual WinterFest boasted a variety of events for both children and adults to relieve their cabin fever and spend time with their families.

WinterFest made its debut three years ago after Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant visited a similar winter event in Fort Kent. He started the Biddeford WinterFest with John Maxson and Larry LaPointe in hopes of bringing together members of the community.

On Friday, there was a Heart 2 Heart dance at the Pepperell Center to benefit the American Heart Association. On Saturday, there were a variety of events happening all over town showcased by Winter Carnival in Rotary park, which provided families with activities in the snow, hot cocoa in the teen center and horse-drawn carriage rides by river.

There were also a variety of other events on Saturday and Sunday: A Broomhall Scrimmage at the University of New England, a Thornton versus Biddeford hockey game at the Biddeford Ice Arena, a comedy show at City Theater, and free ice skating and pizza at West Brook Skating Rink.

A lack of snowfall a week prior to WinterFest had organizers worried that some snow-related events would have to be canceled. But a winter storm that moved across Maine last week resulted in just enough accumulation to provide a white blanket of snow for children to ride sleds, snowshoe and ride the horse carriage on Saturday.

Erica Letellier, who volunteered at Rotary Park on Saturday, said she loved seeing children playing the snow games she had set up.

“This is such a good community event to go to, because it promotes health and wellness, even in the wintertime,” stated Letellier. “There’s nothing nicer than getting your kids outside to enjoy the outdoors, even in weather so cold.”

For Chelsea Brittain, bringing her daughter Lila to WinterFest felt like a great way to give her something new and exciting to do.

Brittain, who just bought a home in Biddeford with her husband, hoped they would see more people at the event, but showed up early to be sure Lila would be back home in time for her nap.

“As a teacher, there is a fine line of events I only have so much time to go to,” she said. “But the biggest draw for my daughter was the horses. She loves seeing them, and enjoys standing by this small fire to keep warm after trudging through the snow.”

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