Pittsfield’s Third Annual Winter Festival Returns to Clapp Park February 16

The City of Pittsfield's Recreation Program is hosting its third annual Winter Festival on Monday, February 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Clapp Park, kicking off winter break for local schools.

The free event features a cardboard sled design contest where families build their own sleds at home using glue, tape, paint, and decorations, no plastic or store-bought sleds allowed. Awards will be given for Best Use of Materials, Most Creative Sled, and Largest Sled Design, with races following at 11 a.m.

RSI Signs is offering a free Cardboard Sled Building Workshop on Saturday, February 7, from 1-3 p.m. at 20 Yorkshire Ave. Basic supplies and cardboard will be provided. Parents must attend with children. Sign up by emailing orders@rsi-signs.com. Families must bring completed sleds to Clapp Park and register at the Parks & Recreation table by 10:30 a.m. on February 16.

Additional activities include snowshoeing with Mass Audubon, a winter basketball foul shooting contest with 18 Degrees' Youth Development Team, carnival games, a snow sculpture contest, Touch-A-Truck with city vehicles from DPW and the Fire Department, and face painting by RSI Signs.

Gateway Fiber will give away free winter gloves to the first 150 attendees, and Berkshire Kettle Creations will provide free kettle corn samples. A campfire will be available to keep warm.

The festival takes place during Pittsfield's 15th annual 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival, running February 12-22. For more information, visit www.lovepittsfield.com/10x10.