Newton Community Pride (NCP) will host its third annual WinterFEST during the weekend of January 27-28 with events — all free and open to all — in Cold Spring Park, Newton Highlands, Newton Centre, and Newtonville. (Download flyer.)
January 27, 10AM, at Cold Spring Park: Newton Conservators and Olaf from Frozen will lead a family-friendly and dog- friendly (leashes please) winter walk around the 1.5 mile wooded trail of Cold Spring Park. Meet at 10AM at the Beacon Street entrance (1200 Beacon Street) and proceed left to the end of the parking lot to the trail entrance near the sports fields. Complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and donuts will be available at the end of the morning walk.
January 27, 5:30PM-7:30PM, at Hyde Community Center: NCP and the Hyde Community Center will host a Community Soup Social at the Hyde Playground (90 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands). Hot bowls of soup provided by local restaurants and served by Newton notables will keep attendees warm as they enjoy the Timba Messengers’ spicy live performance. Other entertainment includes glow-in-the-dark hula hoops, Brighter Ignited public art, Olaf from Frozen, and a visit from Officer Leo, Newton’s community resource dog. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided, as well.
January 28, 11AM – 2PM, on Newton Centre Village Green: NCP will host live entertainment featuring Elsa from Frozen, the ZOVA Quartet, Newton North’s Melocotones and Northern Lights acapella groups, BC’s B.E.A.T.S, a Lion Dance presented by Wu An Martial Arts, and an Indigenous performance by Tokalli Macehualli. Visit with the roaming Snowballologists and check out several ice sculptures and a live sculpting demonstration by Images In Ice. Grab a fun keepsake from the photo booth, paint a plow with Newton DPW, enjoy free hot chocolate, and shop the Winter Pop Up Market presenting crafts and edible goodies.
Blanket Drive for Welcome Home: NCP is collecting blankets for Welcome Home, a Newton non-profit providing high quality household items to families experiencing hardship. Please bring blankets — new or gently used; full, queen, or king size; (no rips or stains) — to the Welcome Home table on Newton Centre Green during WinterFEST on January 28, 11AM-2PM.
January 28, 3PM-4:30PM at New Art Center: On Sunday afternoon, NCP will host a fun, family-friendly dance party at the New Art Center (61 Washington Park, Newtonville) with Josh and the Jamtones. Complimentary hot chocolate and a winter craft will round out the party.
