Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Ryan Heller, 8, enjoys a sled ride down the hill at Beaty Park on Monday after nearly a foot of snow fell on the county overnight.

It’s a heavy white blanket with a silver lining.

It’s not all shoveling, plowing, snowblowing, and slow driving when a storm dumps a foot of snow on Warren County. Winterfest needs snow. A lot of it.

The event relies on a layer of packed snow being on the ground, especially for its dog-sled races.

“In general, this snow is wonderful for Winterfest altogether,” John Papalia of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry said. “It’s great for the sledding hill, sled dogs, games, the weight pull, mountain bike ride, polar bear plunge, and just the general feel of the event.”

In the past, organizers have had to limit the event when there had not been an appropriate snowfall.

A foot of snow this weekend should help create the trail conditions needed for the dog-sled races.

“All Winterfest events benefit from the snow as long as it sticks around,” Papalia said. “Looking at the extended forecast it seems like the cool temps will be here for a while.”

“In addition to keeping the snow, the cool weather is good for ice fishing, skating, etc.,” he said. “We are very excited for a fun-filled weekend in February.”

Winterfest will be held Feb. 4, 5, and 6 at Chapman State Park.