Although spring is around the bend, the Camden Public Library would like to take a moment to recognize the success of this year’s Winterfest celebration.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, hundreds of people from nearby and far away enjoyed Camden's 21st annual Winterfest in the Camden Amphitheatre, Harbor Park, and Camden Public Library.

Festivities included the long-standing tradition of community ice carving, a Doggie Fashion Show, music, delicious food, a story walk, creative crafts and face painting, and Sundog Outdoor Expeditions’ dramatic polar plunge.

This year’s Winterfest was even more well attended than in recent years, and fun ruled the day. A news crew from WABI TV 5, as well as professional photographers stopped by to document the joyful celebration of winter and community.

Winterfest is presented by the Winterfest Committee and the Camden Public Library with generous support from First National Bank. The Winterfest Committee would like to thank the many individuals and businesses involved for making this year’s Winterfest a success.

Business support included generous in-kind food donations from French & Brawn Marketplace, Bagel Cafe, Megunticook Market, Laugh Loud Smile Big Bakery, and Hannaford Supermarket in Camden. Thank you to Necole Janczura from First National Bank for invaluable help. Thank you as well to First National Bank team members Amanda, Angie, Ashley, Chelsey, Brooke, and Brenda for running the food table.

The beloved tradition of ice carving was made possible by master ice carver Tim Pierce, Hector Pietra-Santa, Matt Brown, and Hank Lunn. Lisa Rankin and Viking Rankin’s Hardware also provided extraordinary support. This year’s carving teams included organizations, families, and groups of friends. Ice carving teams included Station Maine, The Riley School, Thank you to Dave Jackson and Matt Brown for providing additional ice block sponsorship.

Thank you to Dave Jackson, Bob Oxton, Al Cooper, and the rest of the Winterfest volunteers for ensuring that the Amphitheatre was safe and ready for Winterfest.

This year’s Doggie Fashion Show was a hit, with 24 dressed-up pups and one costumed cat participating. Thanks to donations from Hector Pietra-Santa, as well as support from Greg and Lyndon of LG Whitcomb Landscaping. Thank you to Amy Hand, Youth Services Manager at Camden Public Library, for children’s activities, and to Matt Brown for the music. Thank you to Sundog Outdoor Expeditions for once again hosting the polar plunge, which benefited their Leadership Initiative.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended Winterfest and brought energy and joy to this long-standing tradition. Together, we once again created something wonderful and memorable for our community.

We can't wait for next year — the 22nd annual Camden Winterfest will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025!

Sincerely,

Julia Sagaser

Ken Gross

For the Winterfest Committee