The weather in Warren County is turning cold . . . meaning Winterfest is right around the corner.

The popular three-day event is scheduled to be held Jan. 22-24 at Chapman State Park. It will include the annual Jim Lobdell Memorial Sled Dog Races, along with the Polar Plunge, now in its sixth year.

"The planning has been underway for a while now," said county Recreation Director Travis Hummel. "Everything is pretty much on schedule."

Hummel called last year's Winterfest "one of the most successful events we've had," saying it drew more than 13,000 people.

"Several of the events continue to grow," Hummel said. "Last year the ice fishing contest really took off. The Warren County Council of Sportsmen has done a great job at organizing this event."

This year's ice fishing contest will be held Jan 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for fishermen age 16 and over. Judging will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday. A fishing license is required for the event.

Winterfest kicks off on Friday with a "Meet the Mushers" spaghetti dinner at the Kalbfus Rod and Gun Club from 5 to 8 p.m.

The sled dog races will be held throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, the Jamestown Skating Club is scheduled to perform "Warren's Champions on Ice" at 3 p.m., a special figure skating exhibition.

"The club comes in and does their routines right there," Hummel said. "It's really a neat show."

Other events include: a cardboard box derby, sled riding races, snow sculpturing contest, open ice skating and geocaching events.

There will also be food and craft vendors at the event's tent.

"I think the last couple of years we've had a good mix and variety of things," Hummel said.

The newly formed Council of Tourism (COT) will also be involved in the upcoming Winterfest.

COT director John Papalia serves on the Winterfest committee, while Hummel has a seat on the COT's board of directors.

According to Papalia, his organization plans to help with the fishing tournament, along with the sled riding hill.

COT is also coordinating the Grass Roots Racing adventure race, scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Winterfest.