CAMDEN — "What happens when you bring together ice carving, a polar plunge, fashionable pets, spectacular kids' activities, fun music, and delicious local food on a winter’s day? That's right - Camden Winterfest!" said Camden Public Library, in a news release.

The 22nd annual Camden Winterfest will take place on Saturday, January 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with all of the beloved traditions, plus bonus features including live jazz and a book sale, and more hot food and treats than ever before.

This year, Winterfest kicks off with a (cold) splash. The 7th Annual Polar Plunge FUNdraiser, put on by Sundog Outdoor Expeditions, will take place at the beginning of Winterfest due to the tides. At 10:30 a.m., Polar Plungers will run and splash into the frigid Camden Harbor to benefit Sundog. Join the brave or watch the show from the comfort of your coat. Sign up for the plunge at sundogoe.com.

"After the drama at the harbor, hurry back to the Amphitheatre for delicious hot local food served up by volunteers from First National Bank," said CPL.

Chili, soup, grilled hot dogs, cookies, cocoa, and more will all be on the menu, donated by generous local businesses. Visit librarycamden.org/winterfest2025 for a list of donors. All proceeds from food sales will benefit the Camden Public Library and parks and make Winterfest possible. 

Winterfest is your chance to transform a crystal-clear, 300 lb. block of ice into a sparkling sculpture. No experience is necessary, all ages are welcome, and tools will be provided. Sign up for an ice block on your own or with friends, a group, school, or organization. Thanks to help from First National Bank, the Library has reduced the price to $60/ice block for each team. Sign up at librarycamden.org/winterfest2025.  Slots are very limited.

If you prefer to be on the sidelines, then you can watch the professional and amateur ice carvers with hot food and drink in hand, while local favorite DJ Matt Brown plays his selection of music.

The public is once again invited to bring their dressed-up dogs (or cats, if they are willing!) for the beloved Doggie Fashion Show. Sign up ahead of time at librarycamden.org/winterfest2025 to secure a spot, though walk-ins are also welcome. Pet(s) can be as elaborately or simply dressed as they prefer. Participants should line up for the show at 11:30 a.m. The first 25 will win a prize. At 12 p.m., everyone will gather round to enjoy the show.

Next, kids and families can join children's librarian Miss Amy for a wintery Story Walk through the Amphitheatre and Harbor Park. Ice carving, food, and music will also continue. Visitors can always pop into the Camden Public Library to warm up, where All That Jazz will be playing live music in the rotunda and Miss Amy will be leading creative winter crafts and face-painting.

There will also be a special Winterfest Book Sale happening in the Blue Door Book Shed, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Camden Winterfest is made possible by the generous support of First National Bank, in-kind donations from local businesses, as well as a dedicated team of volunteers.

Visit www.librarycamden.org/winterfest2025 to find forms for the Polar Plunge, ice carving, and dog fashion show, and for a full list of local businesses providing food and in-kind donations. For the latest updates, follow the Camden Winterfest Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CamdenWinterfest.