BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. (WV News) — The annual Coopers Rock WinterFest returns on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a day of winter fun regardless of snowfall.
For the first time in more than a decade, the Coopers Rock Foundation will host the event in the Overlook Area at and around Pavilion No. 1, moving from its previous location at the Day Use Parking Lot near Interstate 68. The festival will be held “snow or no snow,” with guided hikes, educational activities, and other events planned. In the absence of snow, skiing and sledding will not take place.
The event is free, but donations are encouraged to support improvements to Rhododendron Campground. Attendees can also support the cause by visiting the pop-up Coopers Rock Café at Pavilion No. 1.
Attendees are invited to embrace the winter spirit by wearing vintage, colorful, or unusual winter attire.
Activities Schedule
All-Day Open House (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Cross-country skiing (gear and instruction provided)
10:15 – 11:45 a.m.: Cool Spots in the Cold – A guided hike exploring unique rock formations, including Island Block’s sheltered overhang, Piton Block, Devil’s Kitchen, Haystack, and The Amphitheater with century-old etchings.
Noon – 1 p.m.: Winter Tree ID Hike – Learn to identify native tree species in the canyon rimrock environment.
1 – 2 p.m.: Kids’ Chasms and Corridors Crawl – A mini-adventure through rock formations behind The Trading Post for children and parents.
2 – 2:45 p.m.: How to Measure a Tree – Participants will measure the largest trees in the Overlook Picnic Area using three different methods to determine the biggest tree in the area.
WinterFest Classics
Noon: Snowman Piñata – Children can take swings at a piñata filled with candy using a hockey stick.
3 p.m.: Women’s Frying Pan Toss – The festival’s grand finale, continuing a tradition that began more than a century ago in Saranac Lake, New York, and is now a West Virginia favorite.
For more information, contact Adam Polinski, Coopers Rock Foundation board member, at adamzapple88@gmail.com or by text/call at 304-288-1211.
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