2018 Homer Winterfest

From Friday night through all day Saturday, January 26th and 27th, the 18th 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 fish fry at the Homer Elks Lodge followed by a bonfire behind the Homer Fire Department.  Fireworks begin at 6:50 pm.  The Community Arts Challenge grand opening starts at 7:00 at the Center for the Arts.  You can find food and drinks with a live DJ at the Homer American Legion at 7:30.  Friday night is also the last chance to drop off your entry for the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Contest, a new event sponsored by Sinfully Sweet Café.

Saturday morning opens with a pancake breakfast at the Paul Hill Community Building, followed by a flea market (with pizza and cinnamon buns) at the Senior Center behind the Town Hall.  The antiques and crafts shows take up both gymnasiums at the Intermediate/Junior High School.  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.

The Seven Valley Snow Goers present a vintage snowmobile display with free rides (weather permitting) at Super Scoops.  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.

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 to 10:00, and live music by the Ghost of Paul Revere at the Center for the Arts, 7:00 door, 8:00 show.

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