BIDDEFORD — It’s been said that only in Maine can one truly give winter the adoration it deserves.

And that was the case this past weekend in Biddeford, as sledders and children at heart enjoyed a full slate of activities while embracing chilly temperatures, and snow and ice downtown. Biddeford’s annual WinterFest was a unique way for families to spend time together outdoors in the coldest of seasons and to bond with others in the community over fun pursuits in the heart of the city.

Tickets for WinterFest’s second “Adult Sledding Party” sold out on Friday night and when that event ended, participants warmed up at the City Theater to listen to classic Fab Four tunes as Joe Boucher of Biddeford and his five-piece band along with a classical string quartet presented a concert “IMAGINE – The Beatles Solo Years” to a receptive audience. Proceeds from the concert were donated to the Biddeford High School Music Department.

A massive sledding hill behind Biddeford City Hall was the main attraction of this year’s WinterFest and for the first time this year, it included a distinct curve that ramped up sledding speeds significantly, adding to the fun for kids and adults alike.

Marty Grohman of Biddeford spent Saturday afternoon at the Sledding Hill as a volunteer and said sledders took advantage of the steep incline throughout the day.

“The turnout has been great,” Grohman said. “I think people out here are happy with all that’s being offered.”

Besides the sledding hill, there were games for WinterFest participants such as a bean bag toss and snow golf and fat bike rides. Everything was entirely free including pony rides, a horse and wagon ride, and cocoa, hot dogs and pizza.

“I’ve done the sled run with both of my kids and have had a lot of fun,” Grohman said. “There’s a lot of smiles here this afternoon.”

After he went sledding Saturday afternoon, first-grader Brody Wheeler of Saco, 6, was enjoying a cup of hot chocolate in one of the event’s warming tents with his father, Richard Wheeler.

“It’s an awesome place and there’s a big hill to slide down really fast,” Brody said. “We brought our own sleds, but ended up using some that were already here.”

Brody said his favorite thing to do at WinterFest was meeting the characters Olaf from the film ‘Frozen’ and several Minions from the ‘Despicable Me’ movie.

Richard Wheeler said he plans on bringing Brody back again next year to WinterFest.

“It’s so much fun for him,” he said. “We like everything about this.”

For adults, Engine of Biddeford presented a “Winter Wonderland Art Exhibit” that made its debut in City Hall during sledding.

Later on Saturday afternoon, the Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce+Industry hosted a “Hoppy Hour” in Shevenell Park that included yard games, a fire pit, and beer for purchase from Dirigo Brewing Company, with proceeds donated to support Dirigo owner’s Tom Bull as he recovers from heart transplant surgery. Nationally known comedian Juston McKinney gave a show at City Theater on Saturday evening as part of WinterFest activities.

On Sunday, the Community Bike Center of Biddeford hosted the “Super Roll Sunday Fat Bike Ride” drawing dozens of bundled-up cyclists who braved the cold to try their hand at riding on a snow-packed street.

Organizers were able to stage outdoor activities for the public thanks to the efforts of the city of Biddeford and generous sponsorships of PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Woodman Edmands Danylik Austin Smith Jacques, Savvy Rental and Champagne Energy. The sledding hill was made possible by New Life Church, Thyng Paving, Peters Construction and Excavation, Larry Patoine Construction, Phil Labbe Excavation, and Dee Quality Foundations & Excavating, and Dead River.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com

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