January 16, 2020 - Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation will host Winterval 2020 on Saturday, January 25, in downtown Fort Wayne. This year, a new event joins the full day of activities as Salomon Farm Park presents a Farm Hand Competition at Hop River Brewing Company, 1515 N Harrison St, just north of Promenade Park. Participants can try their hand at the lasso, tractor tire flips, tossing straw bales, and other feats of strength and skill, with prizes awarded to the top finalists.
This event will also be a fundraiser for Salomon Farm Park, as Hop River will be donating a portion of beverage sales to the park. Registration begins at 4 p.m. and the entry fee for competitors is $15. Competitions will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the event is free for spectators.
Winterval activities begin at 9 a.m. with a Winter Hike at Lindenwood Nature Preserve. Winterval at the Botanical Conservatory begins at 10 a.m. with standard Conservatory admission. At 1 p.m. the Community Center hosts the free Winter Carnival, which features horse-drawn carriage rides and a “Frozen” 9-hole mini golf course. Also at the Community Center from 2-4 p.m., Fairy Tale Princess Parties will present Storytime with Ana. There will also be live ice carvings at various locations throughout the day and ice sculptures placed in several downtown locations.
In addition, cyclists can take a Winter Bike Ride at 1 p.m., starting at Lawton Park in the parking lot by the Greenhouse. City Greenways & Trails staff will lead the family friendly bike ride on our city’s growing trail system. Also at 1 p.m., Heartland Mushers will be running free dog sled demonstrations at Headwaters Park with their teams of malamutes and huskies.
To close the festivities, adults ages 21 and older are invited to the Winter Cozy at Promenade Park at 6 p.m. Participants can enjoy the winter comforts of hot beverages and foods while you lounge about and chat in the Park Foundation Pavilion’s comfortable seating. Play games, listen to live music, dance with your friends, and much more both inside and outdoors! Tickets are just $10 at the door.
Winterval is sponsored by Majic 95.1. Find all the downtown Winterval activities at www.wintervalfw.com.