A family movie in the snow.

People splashing in icy water.

Ice fishing. Sledding. Sled dogs.

Winterfest has a new weekend — Feb. 4 through 6, events both new and familiar, new organizers, and is looking for more volunteers and sponsors.

Times Observer file photo Sled riding at Chapman State Park is a long-standing Winterfest tradition.

The Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry has formally taken over the event previously sponsored by PennSOIL RC&D.

The date was moved, from the end of January to early February in part in the hopes of more snow.

“I think we are laying a great foundation to grow this event in the future,” WCCBI Director of Tourism John Papalia said. “We are very fortunate to have such wonderful sponsor support this year, as well as the support of many organizations and individuals that are working to make this a successful year.”

“We accepted the request for our involvement in this event recognizing its positive impact on our community,” WCCBI’s Savannah Casey said. “We could not help facilitate events, such as this, without the generosity from our community members. We also appreciate the committee members, and volunteers, for their dedication to making the event a success.”

“As with most events, increased volunteerism and sponsorship always helps,” Papalia said. “None of this would be possible without the sponsors, organizations, and volunteers.”

Times Observer file photo Sled riding at Chapman State Park is a long-standing Winterfest tradition.

“The YMCA will have kid activities throughout the weekend,” Papalia said. “They will be playing a family movie Friday evening (Feb. 4) starting at 5 p.m., and will also have sledding, craft, and food vendors available that evening.”

“A new event for this year is on Saturday (Feb. 5) at 10 a.m. — Fat Tire Bike Organized Ride by Warren Cycle Shop,” he said. Participants are asked to meet at the event tent located at sledding hill.

There will, of course, be traditional events.

The ice safety demonstration by Glade Volunteer Fire Department — 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 — will be followed by people voluntarily crashing into the icy waters of Chapman Lake in the Polar Bear Plunge.

“The Polar Bear Plunge will be held on Saturday and always draws a crowd,” Papalia said. “All the funds raised benefit the Salvation Army.”

“It’s been a long time since we had a real Polar Bear Plunge, so I would love to see it get back up to you having hundreds of plungers again to continue raising much-needed funds to help with the soup kitchen, utilities, and rent for those in need,” Major Keith Jache said. “The more money we raise, more families we can help in Warren County.”

“They can download the forms for the Winterfest Facebook page and can also pick up the forms at the Salvation Army’s office from 9 a.m. To 2 p.m. Monday through Friday,” Jache said.

“There’s going to be plenty of things to do,” Sled Dog Race Committee Chairman Ed Atwood said. “It’s been about three years since we pulled one off. The COVID shut us down last year.”

“We plan to do (sled dog) races,” Atwood said. “We’re not where we’re supposed to be yet, but I hope we get good snow by then.”

An absence of suitable snow has caused problems for the event’s sled-dog races in the past.

A long-distance race will be held on Friday, then sprints on Saturday and Sunday.

“We need people to volunteer, we need people to sponsor,” he said.

Anyone who would like to volunteer at the event may fill out a form indicating when they would be available and what events they would prefer.

“Anyone looking for more information can find it at www.wccbi.org,” Papalia said.