Winterfest will return to Pine Acres Golf and RV Resort this weekend, bringing live music, winter recreation and family-friendly fun to Bradford for the second year. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at 1503 Pine Acres Golf Course, 1401 W. Warren Road.

This event is a collaboration between Pine Acres and the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club. The pair partnered last winter to launch what became an especially popular community gathering. It proved popular enough that organizers decided to make it an annual event.

Walker Whipple and Walter Stewart took a groomer ride during last year’s event.

Provided

“The owners of Pine Acres came up with the idea to have this event and we were able to collaborate with them and put something very nice together,” said Erin Strotman of the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club. “It was very well attended and many people said they had a great time.”

This year’s Winterfest will feature live entertainment throughout the day, with three different musical acts scheduled from noon to 9 p.m. Tyler and Jim will play from noon to 3 p.m. followed by Darkwater Duo from 3 to 6 p.m. and Dan Roche from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition to music, guests can look forward to groomer rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other winter activities, weather permitting.

“Hopefully, we will get more snow this week,” said Strotman. “We do have some base on the trails right now; if we just get a few more inches, we will be in good shape.”

Nate Stowell and Matt Austin in the ice bar at last year’s Winterfest.

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The event will offer both indoor and outdoor activities. There will be an ice bar outdoors, while the bar and restaurant will be open inside, where the live entertainment will be set up.

The event is open to all ages, with a variety of family-friendly activities slated throughout the day. Sled riding will be available on the golf course driving range, making it accessible for younger attendees.

“Family is a huge component in everything we do with the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club,” said Strotman. “I think the same can be said for Pine Acres; they’re very family-oriented in everything they do.”

Beyond entertainment, Winterfest aims to give residents a reason to get outside during the long winter months while also supporting local businesses and tourism.

“It’s about giving people an activity to get outside and do with their family as well as bringing people in to support our local businesses,” said Strotman.

The snowmobile club remains active year-round, working on grants, trail maintenance, signs and landowner agreements to expand and maintain the regional trail system. They oversee roughly 120 miles of trails.

The crowd gathered around the bonfires late into the night.

“Our trails spread across the area and lead people to the Willows, Westline and Pine Acres,” said Strotman. “We aim to promote local businesses when people ask where to eat and stay.”

WCSC is always open to new members and partner organizations who share a passion for outdoor sports and protecting local trails.

“We’re trying to build something lasting; something nice for everyone in the region,” said Strotman. “But we can’t do it alone.

For Strotman, the highlight of Winterfest is the sense of community it creates.

“I love seeing all the families and riders who come out to enjoy the event,” she said. “I really enjoy the fellowship.”