Don’t freeze up and head for hibernation just yet. Instead, gear up for the free three-day Oakland County Fire and Ice Festival, Jan. 17-19, 2020.
The Downtown Rochester DDA and Oakland County Parks and Recreation have once again packed together a fun bundle of activities that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
Attendees take a carriage-drawn tour of the city, partake in cross-country skiing, witness talented ice sculptors vie for ultimate bragging rights, see a K-9 demonstration, make s’mores and crafts and even ice skate (if you remember to bring your own skates).
Online registration and volunteer sign-up are also open for the 2020 Brooksie Way Chill at the Mills 5K Race. Cost to participate is just $35 if you register by Jan. 19; $39 after.
All of this action proves that cold weather isn’t just good for the sniffles and bad traffic.
For instance, the snow does anything but slow down the speedsters barreling down the sloping tubing hill. Parents can accompany their little ones – tubes provided – but it’s definitely an opportunity for competitive siblings or friends to take part in a slick showdown.
Those growing hungry after all of the blistering bustle can re-energize at the TasteFest Food & Beer Tent. After all, one of the best remedies for an episode of shivers is something warm for the stomach.
Event hours are as follows:
- Friday, Jan. 17: 5-9 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 18: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 19: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Friday and Saturday’s festivities extend later into the evening with firework finale; sparks are set to fly at 7:20 p.m.
Some families may even end up leaving with a furry new addition. The Oakland County Pet Adoption Tent will be on site offering shelter pets up for adoption.
Parking and shuttle service will be available at Buffalo Wild Wings in Rochester Hills at 1234 Walton Road, free of charge. Meet at the designated pick-up/drop-off location at East Fourth and East Street to catch shuttles that will run throughout the event.
See the Metro Parent calendar for even more details on the Oakland County Fire and Ice Festival and other family fun things to do this weekend in metro Detroit and beyond.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.
