21st Homer WinterFest – January 26–28

From Friday night through Sunday, January 26th through 28th, the 21st Homer WinterFest brings food,  fun, and entertainment to residents and visitors from Central New York 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. 

The 2024 event provides a full slate of traditional activities and updated events. Look for Winterfest brochures  in the mid-January issue of the Homer News, at Phillips Free Library, and many local merchants. Brochures  include the full event schedule and map. On the web, find the latest information at www.homerwinterfest.org  and the Homer Winterfest Facebook page. 

The action kicks off on Friday evening (January 26) at the Phillips Free Library from 4:00 to 6:30 with reading,  drawing, and discussion by author and illustrator Jacob Souva. The Homer Elks are hosting a Fish Fry and the  American Legion will have food and music; both events run from 5:30 to 7:00. The annual bonfire begins at 6:30  behind the American Legion, where the skies will light up at 6:50 with a fireworks show by American Fireworks.  Starting at 7:00, see the grand opening of the Community Arts Challenge at the Center for the Arts. Music,  food, and drinks continue at the Legion from 7:30 to 9:30.  

The festival continues on Saturday morning (January 27,) starting with the fireman’s pancake breakfast from  8:00 to 11:00 at the Paul Hill community building. A new event, “Hacks and Sacks,” is a cornhole tournament  combined with a baseball hitting clinic at the High School from 9:00 to 2:00; open to the public. Shop dozens of  antique and craft vendors at the Homer Intermediate/Middle School from 9:30 to 3:30; coffee and food will be  served.  

Shop dozens of antique and craft vendors at the Homer Intermediate/Middle School from 9:30-4:00. Coffee  and food will be served.  

Bundle up the kids and bring them to the Homer Elementary School from 10:00 to 2:00 for the popular children’s  events including games, crafts, food, free fingerprinting with Homer Police, and featuring Dan the Snake Man  and Magician David Black (1:00).  

A child’s car seat security check & installation will be held at the Homer Fire Department from 10:00 to 12:00,  provided by the Cortland County Health Department and the Homer Police Department. 

Enjoy coffee, cocoa, cookies, and pie slices at the Homer First United Methodist Church from 10:00 to 2:00, and  a chicken bar-b-que at Homer Fire Station, sponsored by the Homer Wrestling Team at 11:00. See a live ice  carving near the Fire Station, starting at 11:00. Studio Z is providing a dance demonstration in front of the Fire  Station at 2:00. 

Events on the Homer Village Green include ice skating by Cortland County Figure Skating, demonstrations by  Cortland Youth Hockey, and snowshoeing by Lime Hollow at. Form a team with friends and enter the Human  Dog Sled Race at 11:00, with categories and prizes for ages 6-adult.

Taste and judge local chili at the Hobos Chili Cook-Off from 12:00 to 3:00. Enjoy free youth bowling (ages 15  and under) at Hi Lanes from 1:00 to 4:00.  

Wine and cheese tasting at the American Legion runs from 1:00 to 4:00. Find the Winter Wingfest and beer  tasting at Homer Elks from 1:00 to 3:30.  

Wind down your evening at the Homer Elks Clamfest from 4:00 to 6:00 (call about pre-sale clamfest tickets 607- 749-4200), followed by music until 10.  

Get ready to laugh at the Comedy Show at the Center for the Arts, by 607 Comedy. This show presents adult oriented stand-up comedy humor. Doors open at 7:00, showtime is 8:00. 

Finally, round out the weekend of fun with Sunday breakfast at Homer Elks from 8:00 to 12:00.