By Guilianna Laurain
Winter in Plattsburgh can feel endless, with its gray skies and chilly winds stretching on for months, but that doesn’t mean the season has to be dull or isolating.Â
The City of Plattsburgh invited residents and visitors alike to shake off the winter blues and embrace the season with open arms at the Chill on the Hill Winter Fest — a celebration of all things snowy and fun. The festival took place on Feb. 22, at Fox Hill Park, the space was transformed into a lively winter wonderland. Best of all, the event was completely free, making it accessible to everyone looking for an excuse to step outside and enjoy the crisp winter air.
For college students, who are all too familiar with how the long winter months can drag on, this festival was the perfect opportunity to break up the monotony of the season. It was a chance to bundle up, venture outdoors and reconnect with the joy that winter can bring — whether that meant sledding down the hill, warming up with a cup of hot chocolate, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The event boasted an exciting lineup of activities designed to entertain all ages. Local radio station Vox AM/FM kept the energy high throughout the afternoon, playing an upbeat mix of music that had attendees tapping their feet — even in their thick winter boots. Food trucks lined the park, serving up a variety of delicious eats, from savory comfort food to sweet treats. McDonald’s of Plattsburgh added an extra touch of generosity by offering free hot chocolate, cookies, and even toys for the little ones, making the festival especially enjoyable for families with young children.
For those 21 and older, the Rustic Pines LLC Beer Garden offered a cozy retreat where attendees could enjoy a cold beer while taking in the winter scenery. The event organizers also made sure that safety was a priority, with security in place to ensure a comfortable and secure environment for all guests.
No winter festival would be complete without some classic snowy fun. The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the sledding hill, which quickly became the centerpiece of the festival. Laughter and cheers filled the air as kids — and more than a few adventurous adults — took turns zipping down the snow-covered slope on sleds of all shapes and colors. The line to the top of the hill stretched on as eager participants waited for their turn to race down.
