Savor those few days of summer left, because winter is on its way and to prove it, Westbrook’s annual winter event, the Winter West Festival, is already being planned.

According to Maria Dorn, the planning committee for the festival held one meeting so far and has already come up with a date to hold the event: Jan. 10 and 11.

The committee has come up with a number of new ideas, including having a shuttle to Sunset Ridge Golf Course for the dog sled races, geocaching and having a dance at a location they haven’t picked yet.

“I’d like to see us use the park a little more,” Dorn said, although she’s not sure in what way. A snow sculpture contest is planned in the park again this year, if there is snow on the ground.

Rob Mitchell, an avid kayaker involved in the winter festival, said there will be kayaking on the water again and he hopes to be able to include fireworks in the event. Dorn said anyone with ideas for additional activities or businesses who want to get involved in the event should contact her at 854-0676 or attend their next committee meeting held at the Community Center on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 11:15 a.m.

– Suzanne Hodgson