22nd Annual Homer WinterFest – January 24–26

homerwinterfest.org

From Friday night through Sunday, January 24th through 26th, the 22nd annual 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 2025 event provides a full slate of traditional activities as well as new and updated events. Look for Winterfest brochures in the mid-January issue of the Homer News, at Phillips Free Library, and local merchants. Brochures include the full event schedule and map. On the web, find the latest information at homerwinterfest.org and the Homer Winterfest Facebook page.

The action kicks off on Friday evening (January 24) at the Phillips Free Library from 4:00 to 5:00 with Songs of the Shaker with guitarist and storyteller Liam Larson. 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 6:00, see the grand opening of the Community Arts Challenge at the Center for the Arts. Music, food, and drinks continue at the Legion from 7:00 to 9:30.

The festival continues on Saturday morning (January 25,) starting with the firemen’s pancake breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 at the Paul Hill community building. Watch a dance performance by Studio Z at 9:00 in front of the fire station.  A Wiffle Ball Tournament sponsored by Homer Trojans takes place at the High School gym from 8:30 to 1:00. 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.

The Mammogram Van is available from 9:00 to 2:40 at the Elementary School parking lot.

Enjoy Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and sweet treats at the Homer Elks Lodge from 9:00 to 11:00.

Bring the kids to the Homer Elementary School from 9:00 to 12:00 for the popular children’s events including games, crafts, free fingerprinting with Homer Police, and featuring Dan the Snake Man, Joshua J Superstar, and Mike the Cartoon Magician.  “Kiss the Calf” is sponsored by the 7 Valley Health Coalition and Fouts’ Farm.

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 at 11:00. See a live ice carving near the Fire Station, starting at 11:00. Watch figure skating by the Cortland Figure Skating Club from 1:00 to 3:00 at Vernum Park.

Events on the Homer Village Green include snowshoeing and birdfeeder building by Lime Hollow from 11:00 to 1:00.  Form a team with friends and enter the Human Dog Sled Race at 11:00, with categories and prizes for ages 6-adult.   

Returning this year is the Winterfest Parade on Main Street at noon. 

Wine, spirits, and cheese tasting at the American Legion runs from 1:00 to 4:00. 

Clamfest (1:00-3:00), beer tasting (2:00-4:30), and wings (4:00-8:00) are available at the Homer Elks Lodge.  The Wing Eating Contest will take place at 3:30. Later, enjoy music from 6:00 to 9:00.

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 on Sunday with breakfast at the American Legion from 8:00 to 11:00, and a Flute and Piano Concert at the Center for the Arts at 3:00.