“Typically, at events like this, actual attendance is 10-20% higher than what my counter shows,” Miller added, suggesting the total crowd could have exceeded 1,000.

This year’s Winterfest was the first in several years to benefit from perfect ice and snow conditions. The event featured a variety of winter activities, including carriage rides provided by Double C Ranch Services, which were free for the community. Food vendors White Cane Coffee Company and Dad’s were kept busy, with both reporting that they completely sold out of their products.

“The turnout was incredible,” said Savannah Casey, WCCBI operations director. “It was bitterly cold, but that didn’t stop people from coming out and enjoying everything Winterfest had to offer. It was great to see people of all ages at Chapman, embracing the season.”

One of the highlights of the festival was the sled dog races, hosted by Sled Dogs of Smokey Hill. Spectators were also treated to live demonstrations by the experienced mushers.

Photo by ROSIE Marketing A carriage ride offered by Double C Ranch Services during Winterfest 2025 is pictured.

“This year, one of the dogs that participated is a descendant of Balto, the legendary sled dog that helped deliver medicine during the 1925 diphtheria outbreak in Alaska,” Casey said. “His fellow dog cousins are currently competing in the Iditarod, which made the demonstration even more special.”

Winterfest also featured an organized mountain bike ride led by Warren Cycle Shop, with participants traveling from as far as Pittsburgh to hit the trails. The Salvation Army’s Polar Plunge was another highlight.

“We had 70 people take the plunge at Winterfest on Saturday, February 1” said Salvation Army Major Gene Spence.

The success of Winterfest 2025 wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of local businesses, sponsors, and volunteers.

“Community events like this take an enormous amount of effort and time to plan,” Casey said. “We wouldn’t be able to host Winterfest without the support of local businesses and organizations that continue to believe in our mission of enhancing the quality of life in Warren County. We also want to thank our awesome volunteers–I couldn’t have run this event without their help.”

Photo courtesy WCCBI Sled dogs are pictured during races held during the recent Winterfest 2025 at Chapman State Park.