Snow or no, Derry’s Frost Fest will provide winter fun

DERRY — While the town might not be covered in a blanket of sparkling white snow, that won’t stop Derry from busting out a seasonal celebration.

The 25th Annual Frost Fest will have plenty of winter fun indoors and out, even if there isn’t snow.

Even though the festival goers will be crossing their fingers for a barrage of snow on Thursday, Beverly Donovan, the town’s economic development director, said that the festival is still going to have lots of fun to do.

“We’re going to make it fun,” Donovan said. “We have outdoor games and we have DerryCam setting up speakers on the lawn with family friendly music.”

The festival is from noon to 3 p.m. on Feb. 17, with activities across all of the downtown area. There will be face painting and balloon animals and art at Casa Java, 17 Birch St., cookie decorating, crafts, games, wildlife encounters, and a puppet show at the Parks and Recreation center in Veterans Memorial Hall, 31 West Broadway.

Benson’s Lawn, 1 West Broadway, will have a bonfire going with s’mores, music, and outdoor games for kids and families. Across the street at Sabatino’s North, there will be two ice sculptures using the cold day to their advantage and carving out some crystal clear artwork.

In addition to all of the activities, Donovan said people should keep an eye out for Frosty the Snowman, who will be happy to take pictures with anyone.

If there is enough snow, Donovan said there will be sledding at Alexander Carr Park, 28 Pierce Ave. As for ice skating and hockey, she recommended people check in on the day of with the Parks and Recreation department.

Donovan said the festival has changed over the years, adapting from having things like chili cooking competitions to becoming something more family focused.

A popular event now is the night before the festival, Donovan said. The Derry Village Rotary Club hosts a free pasta dinner for everyone at Pinkerton Academy’s Senior Cafe, 5 Pinkerton St., with bingo starting at 4 p.m., dinner at 5 p.m.

The sense of community is the focus for Frost Fest, Donovan said. Even without snow, there will be plenty of fun to be had.

“There’s definitely enough stuff to do to make an afternoon of it,” Donovan said. “You can pack a lot in there and you won’t go away thinking, ‘I’m sad I didn’t get to go sledding.’”