Chill-A-Bration’s a Reason to Come Out of Hibernation

It’s February. The glow of the holidays has worn off and the cold has held us hostage for weeks. Fortunately, Chill-A-Bration is just a few days away, giving you good reason to throw the Snuggie off and go out into the world to explore downtown Cortland and perhaps meet up with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

This is Chill-A-Bration’s seventh year and has become an anticipated mid-winter attraction downtown. It brings in well over 600 people to the Main Street area, giving restaurants and retailers a chance to show off their range of items. Running Noon to 4:00pm on Saturday, February 22, over 20 restaurants will feature either a winter menu item to sample, or will prepare a special chili entry to compete for the title of “Cortland Area’s Best Chili”. Chill-A-Bration goers are encouraged to cast a ballot for their favorite samples by 3:30pm that day at MarketPlace Mall. There’s good incentive to vote, not only to support your favorite restaurants, but two ballots will be drawn to give away a $50 Downtown Gift Certificate and a set of Crown City Rollerz roller derby season tickets.

Chill-A-Bration mugs with tasting map and tickets (for $10 each) will be available for pre-sale February 17 at Cortland Downtown Partnership (9 Main Street), Cortland Beer Company (16 Court Street), and Blue Frog Coffeehouse (64 Main Street). As mug sales are limited and the event is popular, it’s best to purchase mugs earlier before they sell out on event day. Mugs will be available for purchase the day of the event at Cortland Beer Company and Blue Frog Coffeehouse.

Proceeds from this event help support future Chill-A-Bration celebrations and allow Cortland Downtown Partnership to present family-friendly events that market the heart of our city, Historic Downtown Cortland.  Please be sure to visit the Family Fun Zone in the MarketPlace Mall where there will be free entertainment to enjoy including music, games, and Mike the Cartoon Magician performing throughout the afternoon.

The Cortland Downtown Partnership Promotions Committee is always looking for new ideas to enhance our downtown events. If you would like to get involved in planning for Chill-A-Bration 2014 or other CDP events, be sure to sign up for one of our committees or contact us for more information by calling 607-753-4928 or emailing jane@cortlanddowntown.com.  Don’t forget to “like” the Cortland Downtown Partnership on Facebook to find out about all of the great things happening downtown everyday!