This post documents my experience on January 12, 2013.
Since my last festival in early October, many events have occurred.
We had a presidential election, I’ve had another birthday and, most importantly…
…I’ve gained a new festival companion.
This past weekend, his mom and I decided to take him to Loudonville for his first ever festival…
…where we could all celebrate the Mohican Winter Fest together.
One thing I should mention right away is that the Mohican Winter Fest wasn’t like other winter festivals, mostly because there were no outdoor winter-esque activities (save a winter hike on Sunday).
No snow golf. No snowmen contests. No snowball fights.
I only found this odd because it’s right in the Mohican area, which is filled with activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.
Instead, the festival was like Medina’s Ice Festival…
…where the main focus was on ice sculptures.
Here in Central Park…
…festival goers could watch ice sculpting demonstrations…
…and then admire the works up close after they were mounted.
The artists were really skilled and they created some great works…
…but they didn”t last long in the unseasonably 60 degree weather.
(Didn’t the same thing happen two years before in Medina?)
Even as we headed into downtown Loudonville…
…we tried to appreciate the many ice sculptures placed in front of businesses…
…before they melted away completely.
We made our way to the Hans Event Center…
…where a second attraction took place…
…in the form of a Toy Train Expo.
Max seemed particularly interested in this.
In the center’s front room, vendors sold toy train parts, Tupperware…
…and grub that included a bag of Fritos topped with chilli (Hobo Frito Boat)*.
Speaking of food, just like the festivals in Medina, visitors were encouraged to explore local organizations and businesses to satisfy their hunger…
…whether via a sandwich at the Eagles…
…or some pie at the Hanover House Diner.
And, while looking for a place to eat…
…it didn’t hurt to check out some of the interesting stores that offered Winter Fest specials (Creative Outlet, Buzzard Shoes)…
…especially on items that celebrated winter (Four Seasons)...
* = I’m dieting now after last year’s festivals. I’ll get the Hobo Frito Boat next time.