The event’s mascot, a yeti, was delighted by an ice sculpture of itself at last year’s Winterfest. Contributed / Main Street Bath
Winter will feel a bit brighter in Bath this weekend as Winterfest makes its return.
Main Street Bath, a nonprofit that works to promote and preserve historic downtown Bath, is hosting its second annual Winterfest Friday and Saturday.
Amanda McDaniel, Director of Main Street Bath, said the event first began as a way to bring, light, warmth and community to the cold, dark winter.
“We’re all stressed about the weather and winter isn’t our friend right now, but it will be at this event, and I think that’s something we could all use,” said McDaniel.
The festival kicks off with a lantern parade Friday evening, for which everyone is encouraged to bring a lantern or other light source, and all are welcome to walk in the parade. This year, the Morse High School Drummers will also march in the parade, led by the Winterfest mascot, the 7-foot-tall yeti.
“It’s a great opportunity to brighten our downtown long after the holiday lights have been shut off,” said City Manager Marc Meyers. “Main Street Bath has put together a great program.”
The weekend will be filled with musical performances and comedy shows at downtown restaurants, activities and games such as cornhole and disc golf, ice sculpting, and a baked bean supper and cocktail contest hosted by Maine’s First Ship.
“Almost every restaurant has live music or something happening so it’s worth checking out and stopping in,” said McDaniel.
Winterfest’s mascot, a 7-foot yeti, leads the lantern parade last year. Contributed / Main Street Bath
Downtown shops will also offer sales throughout the weekend and Chocolate Church Arts Center will present two evenings of romantic show tunes and standards.
Another popular returning event is the fire breather performance, McDaniel said, which will finish off the parade at Library Park.
“I’m excited to see this event return,” said City Manager Marc Meyers. “People get cabin fever around this time and get anxious to come together … It’s an opportunity to come out and experience Bath in the winter,” he said.
The parade route will go through downtown toward City Hall and down Linden Street, then over on Washington Street to Library Park.
For more information on the weekend’s schedule, see visitbath.com/events/winterfest.
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