Thank you to all sponsors, supporters, volunteers, vendors, and attendees for a fabulous 40th Lakeside Winter Celebration! See you in 2027!
We believe that winter is something to embrace, not just endure!
That’s why for 40 years, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee has hosted a free-admission Lakeside Winter Celebration at the brisk and bracing Great Lake Ontario shoreline!
On the Saturday of each Lakeside Winter Celebration weekend, families can enjoy professional ice and snow sculpture demonstrations; an open snow sculpture contest; horse-drawn wagon rides around the park; food an
d beverage vendors; merchandise and arts/crafts vendors; live music in a heated tent; a Chilly Chili Challenge (that you can enter as a chili chef or participate in as a judging taster); skating in the Park’s cool synthetic ice rink; local wine and craft beer tasting; and fireworks over the Genesee River!
What’s more, attendees can enjoy specials in restaurants and pubs around Charlotte, Rochester’s vibrant lakeshore neighborhood.
And at high noon on the Sunday of every Lakeside Winter Celebration is the zany and inspiring Polar Plunge. during which hundreds upon hundreds of creative, charitable and hardy souls run into (and quickly out of!) the Lake to raise funds for Special Olympics New York.
Vendor/Participant Opportunities
There are several opportunities for food, craft and merchandise vendors at each Lakeside Winter Celebration. In addition, there are opportunities for chili, wine and craft beer makers. Read on for more info!
Annual Chilly Chili Challenge
A favorite element of the annual Lakeside Winter Celebration is the open Chilly Chili Contest!
Professional and amateur chili chefs are encouraged to enter this year’s contest, on Saturday, January 31. Cash prizes up to $200 will be awarded based on judging by experts and the public. Visit this page for full information and application.
Craft Wine and Beer Tasting Lounge
Another favorite festival element is the Craft Wine and Beer Tasting in the warm festival tent!
This is also a great promotional opportunity for local producers. Interested breweries, wineries, and cideries can find the application on this page.
Merchandise & Food-Beverage Vendors
Food truck/stand proprietors and art-craft-merchandise vendors have a prominent place at Lakeside Winter Celebration too! contact the organizer for more details and applications.
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Check out this gallery from recent Lakeside Winter Celebrations!
