20th Annual Homer WinterFest

From Friday night through all day Saturday, January 24th and 25th, the 20th 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 live demonstration of birds of prey by the Cornell Raptor Program at Phillips Free Library from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, 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 by the 607 Comedy troupe 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 Homer Intermediate/Junior High Schools.  

At 10:00 am, the always-popular children’s events begin at the Homer Elementary School and include games, face painting, crafts, cookie decorating, free fingerprinting, and Dan the Snake Man.  

A child’s car seat security check and installation is offered free of charge at the Homer Fire Department from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.  This event is provided by the Homer Fire Department, Cortland County Health Department, The Cortland County Sheriff Department, and the Homer Police Department.

Don’t miss the parade on Main Street at 10:15, followed by the human dog sled race on the village 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. 

Free youth bowling (ages 15 and under) is provided from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Hi Lanes.  Ice sculptures will be on display along the downtown sidewalks. 

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.