2019 Homer WinterFest

From Friday night through all day Saturday, January 25th and 26th, the 19th annual Homer WinterFest brings food, fun, and entertainment to residents and visitors from Cortland County and beyond. WinterFest began in 2000 as part of the Homer Business Association, to bring fun activities into the Village during the winter season and to promote the Homer community.  Since these humble beginnings, this classic festival has grown into a hugely popular event within the Village, providing something for everyone including a Friday night bonfire and fireworks, wine and beer tasting, antiques and crafts, children’s activities, sled racing, ice sculptures, and much more.

Friday evening starts out with a Sloppy Joe dinner at the Homer Congregational Church, followed by a fish fry at the Homer Elks Lodge.  Food and drinks are available at the American Legion at 6:00 pm, with a live DJ at 7:30. The bonfire behind the Homer Fire Department begins at 6:30 pm, with fireworks at 6:50.  The Community Arts Challenge grand opening starts at 7:00 at the Center for the Arts, followed by a live comedy show at 9:00 pm.

Saturday morning opens with a pancake breakfast at the Paul Hill Community Building, followed by a flea market with food at the Senior Center behind the Town Hall.  The antiques and crafts shows take up both gymnasiums at the Intermediate/Junior High School. The Homer School District Bicentennial Presentation will be on view at the Phillips Free Library from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

At 10:00 am, the children’s events begin at the Homer Elementary School and include games, face painting, crafts, and Dan the Snake Man.  At 1:00 pm, Joshua J. Superstar will provide hilarious stunts, comedy & juggling.

Don’t miss the parade on Main Street at 10:15, followed by the human dog sled race on the green at 11:00.  Local amateur chefs compete at the annual Chili Cook-Off, with judging by the public, held at Hobo’s on Rt. 281 at 12:30.   Refreshments and a guided tour are held at the Elizabeth Brewster House from 1:00 to 3:00.

New this year are youth events at the Homer Congregational Church including games, scavenger hunt, rock candy, and more, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and free youth bowling from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Hi Lanes.  Ice sculptures will be on display along the downtown sidewalks. Lourdes Hospital will again be providing walk-in screening exams at their mammogram van on Main Street.

Regional wines and cheeses can be found at the wine tasting event at the American Legion, famous for their fabulous hors d’oeuvres, from 1:00 to 4:00. Craft beer tasting and the annual Homer Winter Wingfest take place at the Homer Elks Lodge from 1:00 to 3:30, followed by the Winter Clamfest from 4:00 to 7:00.

Events continue into the evening, including the Homer Education Foundation Annual Volleyball Tournament held at the Junior High School from 6:00 to 10:00,  live DJ and drinks at the Elks Lodge from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

The full Homer Winterfest schedule can be found in our brochures, available at many local merchants.  Full event information is at www.homerwinterfest.org.