Cabin Fever (Winter Fest)

 Winter blues are a common feeling during the best of years, let alone during the midst of a pandemic. Not able to have its annual Winterfest event that usually attracts 1,500 people, Grafton Lakes State Park rose to the challenge to redesign the popular January event to accommodate COVID protocols and safety measures. Winterfest was renamed “Cabin Fever” to highlight this familiar winter feeling.

The event consisted of outings spread all over the park, a guided trail, and live animals. Over 15 organizations, including the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, Adirondack Mountain Club, and Dyken Pond Environmental Center came together to lead hikes and give presentations, dedicating their Saturday to this event.

Participants in the guided trail were treated with different presentations in the “Embrace the Cold” theme: winter hiking (Alpha Dual Adventures), winter survival (Tamakoce Wilderness Programs), snow science (SUNY Albany), and more. All participants were required to wear masks and activities were limited to groups of 10.

With the help of over 30 volunteers, about 250 patrons were able to enjoy new areas of the park, learn from local clubs and organizations, and rejuvenate in the fresh plateau air.

Special thanks to Tamara Beal for coordinating the event and Rebecca Milanese for organizing the registration.

“Thank you so much for being so creative in how to organize this day during the pandemic. I am sure it took a lot of extra planning and we are so very grateful. We couldn’t have enjoyed ourselves more!” - Patron Kathy Kavanaugh

Want to know more about events coming up at the park? Check out our Park website or Facebook.