Weather May Wrinkle Winterfest Plans

Snow or no snow, ice or no ice, winter or no winter, the second annual Saline Winterfest takes place Saturday.

“We’re hoping to see more snow on the ground and that the ice is good at Henne Field.  If it isn’t, some events will be canceled. But the other events will go on,” said Art Trapp, Saline’s Downtown Development Director and Winterfest planner.

Monday’s forecasted showers and high temperature of 47 will wash away the snow on the ground.

A few snow showers are expected Wednesday. With daily highs ranging from 38-41 from Wednesday through Saturday, it appears unlikely that there will be enough snow on the ground to host many of the events planned for .

Last year, during the inaugural Winterfest, dozens of volunteers built more than 400 snowmen as Saline won the Snowman Building Championship of the Free World. Zeeland, St. Claire, and Sault Ste. Marie are competing with Saline in the event this year.

Last year, Winterfest closed Ann Arbor Street for a block north and south of Michigan. There are no plans to close roads for the festival this year, except during the 5K race.

Here is the schedule

8 a.m. — Breakfast specials at the Downtown Diner.

9 a.m. — A 15-minute opening cermoney featuring a speech from local leaders, gun salvo from re-enactment groups, and hay rides will take place at the corner of South Ann Arbor and Henry Street.

9:15 a.m. — Ice Carving Demonstrations downtown by Gary Marquardt and other artists.

9:30 a.m. — The Fifth Corner Teen Center holds its second annual 5K race and fundraiser. Register here. This year, all pre-paid registrants will receive a long-sleeve T5C5K t-shirt.

9:30 a.m. — Kid’s crafts and games at the Saline Area Chamber of Chamber Office, downtown. Roary, the Detroit Lions mascot, will visit with kids at the chamber office and at several events during the day.

10 a.m. — Euchre Tournament at Stone Arch Arts and Events.

10 a.m. — Snow Bank Treasurer Hunt starts at the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Office.

11 a.m. — Sled Dog demonstration at Henne Field

11:30 a.m. — Saline Area Fire Department will serve chili and hot chocolate at Henne Field. Chili is $2 and hot chocolate is $1.

Noon — Ice Skating Demonstration at the Henne Field Ice Rink

1 p.m. — Snowman Building Championship of the Free World at Henne Field

4 p.m. — Snowman Decorating Contest at Henne Field

Roary, the Detroit Lions