The town of Oakland is gearing up for its annual Winter Fest, slated for February 17, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This year’s event will feature kids’ activities, store specials, live music and performances, the return of the highly successful Winter Fest Wine Walk, and back for the first time since COVID-19, the popular ice sculptures!
For the first time since 2020, Winter Fest will feature hand-carved ice sculptures by The Ice God team from Baltimore Maryland! Prepare to be impressed by the beautiful ice carvings placed around the downtown area. We plan to have some that are interactive as well! If you would like to participate by having an ice sculpture contact Nicole at City Hall for information and pricing.
The Wine Walk will begin at 11:00 AM, and tickets will be sold at the gazebo in Oakland on the day of the event. They can also be bought online in advance by going to http://www.oaklandmd.com/winter-fest.html. The $25 ticket will allow the holder to taste 16 different wines, which will be available at a number of locations throughout the town. The 8 wine tasting locations are at the Oakland B&O Museum, The Gallery Shop, Tomanetti’s Pizzeria & Italian Eatery, The Vagabond Taproom, 206 Alder, Stephanie’s Sweet Shop, Smoke N Mirrors Photography, and the Mountain Fresh Farmers Market. Maps will be provided at registration.
In addition to the sculptures and Wine Walk, the events team is working on numerous family activities to keep everyone entertained, including local artists including Keen & Bright, a local glass blower, kids crafts and activities, a face painting station, a bounce house and obstacle course, a hot cocoa station provided by a local Boy Scout Troop 1, free carriage rides, and more.
The Oakland Historical Society Museum, Transportation Museum, and Oakland B&O Museum will all be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the day of the event, offering festival-goers a unique look at Oakland’s history with information and tour opportunities.
“This is a fantastic family fun, free event,” said Oakland Business Coordinator Nicole McCullough. “There will be plenty to do for adults and children. We have a few new shops and restaurants in downtown Oakland,” McCullough said, “as well as several museums and events specific to Winter Fest.”
The day’s events are being presented by the Greater Oakland Business Association and the Town of Oakland. Organizations supporting Winter Fest include all participating businesses in the Wine Walk, ice carving sponsors, the Garrett County Arts Council, the A&E District of Oakland, the Ruth Enlow Library, the Garrett County Historical Society Museums, the Mountain Fresh Producers Association, Patriot Automotive Group, The Painted Cupboard and The Chic Shack, Alder Street Apartments, and more.
For further information, persons may call GOBA/Main Street at 301-334-2691 or visit www.oaklandmd.com/winter-fest.html.
