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Dinner, sports, music, food, a play, other events planned for 25th Canton Winterfest

Posted 2/8/17

By MATT LINDSEY CANTON -- Canton’s 25th Winterfest celebration will offer 10 days of family-friendly activities starting Thursday through Feb. 18, featuring the chamber dinner, sporting events, …

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Dinner, sports, music, food, a play, other events planned for 25th Canton Winterfest

Posted

By MATT LINDSEY

CANTON -- Canton’s 25th Winterfest celebration will offer 10 days of family-friendly activities starting Thursday through Feb. 18, featuring the chamber dinner, sporting events, music, food, a play and an indoor garage sale outdoors.

Winterfest was the idea of former Canton Chamber of Commerce board member Bob Raymo, according to Sally Hill, executive director of the Canton Chamber, which organizes the annual event.

“A lot of people will remember him – he lived in Canton for a long time -- he was part of many committees,” she said.

“The only reason it kept going is because of the community,” Raymo said. “They came out to events and bought Wintefest buttons.

Winterfest buttons will return, offering the chance to win several prizes. The them is always “Warm Your Heart” and this year a penguin is the featured graphic.

“They cost $2 each and the grand prize is an overnight stay in Lake Placid with $50 toward gas which will get you there and hopefully back.” Other prizes include several gift certificates and gift baskets from local businesses.”

Buttons have been a staple of Winterfest since its inception and Hill has a display of all 25 at her office.

Dozens of people contribute to making the event happen from churches, college students, businesses and other local organizations and individual volunteers.

Hill says the majority of events are free to attend. Some events may have a fee if an organization is trying to raise money.

“The businesses, sponsors and Winterfest button sales help to pay for the event,” Hill said. “There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes with advertising, prizes and printing.

Each year about 700-800 buttons are sold which raises $1,500-$1,600.

“Winterfest helps break the cabin fever,” Hill said. “People have been through the holidays, New Year and are looking for spring – it gets the community out together.”

Hill says there is something to do for a large variety of people including sushi making for kids and wine tasting for adults.

The celebration kicks off with the annual Chamber dinner Feb. 9 at Eben Holden at St. Lawrence University at 7 p.m. The chamber will honor Debbie Gilson of County Seat Realty as the Chamber Member of the Year and Canton Fire and Rescue will be received a recognition award.

Canton Fire and Rescue “deserve every bit of that recognition,” Hill said.

Tickets for the dinner will be available until Friday, Feb. 3. Contact Hill at 386-8255 for info.

Hill says some of the most popular events are the church concert, hospital guild luncheon, FFA garage sale and Rotary pancake breakfast.

“We end up with 65 to 85 people who walk from church to church listening to bagpipes and ending with refreshments and conversation,” she said.

Hill said the garage sale event is “usually packed” and that “people are ready in February for garage sales.”

New events include The Gallery Hop, which is a casual, family-friendly event organized by SLC Arts. It takes place Feb. 11.

The complete schedule of events follows:

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

CANTON CHAMBER "CELEBRATION" DINNER, Eben Holden, St. Lawrence University campus; displays, cocktails 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m., program 7:30 p.m.; buffet dinner, $40. Reservations required, deadline Feb. 1, call the chamber at 386-8255. Cash bar, auction on main dining floor, business displays; proceeds benefit park and fountain project.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

TAUNY DANCE PARTY, “Winter Meltdown Dance Party,” 7 p.m.-midnight, Best Western, 90 E. Main St.; music provided by The Noncommittals and DJ Tapatio (aka David Sommerstein); cost: $10 per person.

WINE TASTING, Bessette's Wine and Liquor, 37 Gouverneur St., 3-6 p.m.; several different wines to sample; cheese and crackers served.

CONCERT, Bridge the Divide, Morley Wesleyan Church, 7254 Cty. Rt. 27 at 7 p.m.; pass the hat, refreshments.

VFW FISH FRY, by the Canton VFW Auxiliary 1231 at the post on Gouverneur Street, 4-7 p.m., menu includes fish (baked or fried), macaroni and cheese or french fries, coleslaw, roll, dessert, coffee or tea; cost: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children 6-12 yrs., under 5 yrs. and over 90 yrs. free.

HOOT OWL POOL TOURNAMENT, 5:30 p.m., must be 21 or older; sign up at the Hoot Owl prior to the event.

WOMENS HOCKEY, St. Lawrence University vs. Quinnipiac, 6 p.m. Appleton Arena.

WOMENS BASKETBALL, St. Lawrence University vs. Vassar, 6 p.m. Burkman Gym.

MENS BASKETBALL, St. Lawrence University vs. Vassar, 8 p.m. Burkman Gym.

BOYS BASKETBALL, Canton Central vs. Ogdensburg, JV 5:30 p.m., varsity, 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

SENIOR CITIZEN SWEETHEART SALE, 37 Riverside Dr., Canton, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; baked goods, sales of Avon, homemade crafts; prices start at $1; Avon bingo.

CHILDRENS SECOND SATURDAY SERIES, Silas Wright House, Canton, from 10-11 a.m.; topic: Victorian Valentines; children will learn about the tradition of giving Valentines and make a Victorian-style Valentine to take home.

CABIN FEVER COFFEE & DESSERT NIGHT, benefits the Women of Grace Widows Fund; First Presbyterian Church, 17 Park St., 7-9 p.m.; live music, raffles; admission: $5, includes coffee, tea; raffle tickets $1 for one, $5 for six or $10 for 12 for chance to win a Cabin Fever gift basket or locally made dessert; info: Linda, 386-4364.

GALLERY HOP, free, casual, family-friendly; organized by SLC Arts; travel to three Canton locations to visit new exhibits; 1-1:30 p.m. TAUNY Center, 53 Main St., “Venerable Folks of the Tug Hill,” focuses on the region's distinctive culture and features vibrant portraits painted by Loretta Lepkowski; 1:45-2:15 p.m. St. Lawrence County Historical Association, 3 E. Main St., exhibits World War I posters, historical dress-up costume pieces for kids in the Children's Attic; 2:30-3 p.m. Richard F. Brush Art Gallery, St. Lawrence University, 23 Romoda Dr., take a student-led tour of the Akwesasne Artists Power ON! Exhibit.

WINE TASTING, at Riverside Liquor, 33 Riverside Dr., 2- 4 p.m. Several reds and whites.

MENS HOCKEY, SUNY Canton vs. Oswego State, 7 p.m., Roos House.

WOMENS BASKETBALL, St. Lawrence University vs. Bard, 2 p.m., Burkman Gym.

MENS BASKETBALL, St. Lawrence University vs. Bard, 4 p.m., Burkman Gym.

WOMENS HOCKEY, St. Lawrence University vs. Princeton 3 p.m. Appleton Arena.

MINOR HOCKEY BLADES 12U TOURNAMENT, Canton Pavilion, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; free to public.

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST, sponsored by the Canton Rotary Club, at Best Western University Inn; 8 am to noon; $8, under 5 free. Tickets: any Canton Rotarian or at door; benefits scholarships for Canton Central students.

GARDENSHARE FILM, sponsored by GardenShare and Potsdam Co-op, film titled “In Defense of Food” held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 4 p.m.

VEGETARIAN SUSHI MAKING, Nature's Storehouse, 21 Main St.; how to make a simple vegetarian sushi; family friendly event; between 5:30-8 p.m.; suggested donation, $5 per person, $10 family; proceeds go to the Church & Community Program; info: 386-3740.

MONDAY, FEB. 13

CHURCH CONCERTS, kick off from 5- 6 p.m. with soup, bread dinner at St. Mary's Church, sponsored by clergy, free; bagpiper will start at 6:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, then Grace Episcopal, First Baptist, Unitarian Universalist, and ending at United Methodist Church for music, refreshments; free; info: Chamber office, 386-8255.

BINGO, Winterfest basket winner selected at Knights of Columbus Hall, 7 p.m., Miner St.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

SINGING VALENTINES, Canton Goldenaires men's barbershop chorus delivering Singing Valentines all day, starting at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit high school scholarship awards at all schools in St. Lawrence County; to order your Singing Valentine, call Vickie at 379-9848.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15

FREE WILL DINNER, Methodist Church, Court St., 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.; donations accepted.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT, at Canton Free Library at 6 p.m.; milk, cookies served; children encouraged to wear pajamas, and bring a pillow and cozy blanket if they wish to watch from the rug; seating also available; free; 6 p.m.

BOYS HOCKEY, Canton Central vs. Thousand Island, 7p.m., Canton Pavilion.

GIRLS BASKETBALL, Canton Central vs. Northern Adirondack, 7:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

‘STATE OF THE RIVER’ TALK, St. Lawrence Land Trust sponsors talk on local rivers, 7 p.m. in Grasse River Heritage Room, 30 Court St. (next to bread store), Tom Vandewater, speaker; free.

DEEP ROOT FUNDRAISER DINNER, Deep Root Center for Self-Directed Learning hosting “Feel the Heat,” a Caribbean inspired fundraising dinner, silent auction at the SUNY Canton Alumni House on Stillman Drive; meet and greet, 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.; cost, $50 per person, $90 per couple; BYOB with a $3 uncorking fee.

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

CANTON PHOTOS SCANNED, Canton Historian, Linda Casserly, and Photographer Dennis Barr will hold two-day scanning opportunity for the community; they are searching for any photos of people, places, events and any photos that should be part of Canton's historical collection; photos of 1970s would be of particular interest, including Vietnam era, soldiers that served, '71 snow storm, school, work and political photos; Municipal Building board room, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; all photos returned after scanning; memories and conversations on the individual photos will be recorded if you would like to share.

HOSPITAL GUILD SOUP LUNCHEON, sponsored by Canton Edward John Noble Hospital Guild; homemade soup (vegetable beef, cream of broccoli, butternut squash), breads, salad; Methodist Church, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $7 adults, $5 children; desserts available at bake sale table. Takeout available.

WINE TASTING, sponsored by the Canton Zonta, at VFW Post, Gouverneur Street; wine by River Myst Winery, 4-7 p.m.; admission: $5 per person; cheese, crackers, silent auction, 50/50 and lottery tree raffle.

GRASSE RIVER PLAYERS, “Starlite Lounge Murder Mystery” at The Club, dinner theater buffet, $40; cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6, performance at 7; tickets sold at The Club and The Pear Tree, must be purchased by Feb. 10, no tickets sold at the door; info: Carole, 386-3712; audience encouraged to dress in 1945 period apparel.

WOMENS HOCKEY, SUNY Canton vs. Stevenson University, 7 p.m., Roos House.

WOMENS BASKETBALL, St. Lawrence University vs. Skidmore, 6 p.m., Burkman Gym.

MENS BASKETBALL, St. Lawrence University vs. Skidmore, 8 p.m., Burkman Gym

MENS HOCKEY, St. Lawrence University vs. Cornell University, 7 p.m., Appleton Arena.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

STEEPLE FOR THE PEOPLE BREAKFAST, all-you-can-eat breakfast, Canton United Methodist Church, 8-11 a.m.; menu: scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, toast, coffee, tea, milk and orange juice; cost: $7 per person; funds raised go toward the repair of the church steeple.

CANTON FFA GARAGE SALE, Canton FFA 10th annual indoor garage sale, craft fair; Banford Elementary cafeteria, gymnasium; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; $1; door prizes drawn every 30 minutes; benefits students attending the 92nd annual NYS FFA Convention; info: Carol Wright at 386-8561, ext. 3132 or cwright@ccsdk12.org.

SCRAPBOOKING ADVENTURE, Nights of Columbus Hall, Miner Street, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; cost: $15, includes lunch; pre-registration required; learn the art of scrapbooking and preserving memories in photo safe albums; for beginners, advanced scrapbookers; participants supply their photos, memorabilia and any scrapbook materials they wish to use; products available for purchase; consultant on hand to motivate attendees and provide tips and ideas with some break-out demonstrations; info: Sherry Stone, 379-0419, or consultant Pam Tishberg, 268-0268, pamcrops@yahoo.com.

CANTON PHOTOS SCANNED, Canton Historian, Linda Casserly, and Photographer Dennis Barr will hold two-day scanning opportunity for the community; they are searching for any photos of people, places, events and any photos that should be part of Canton's historical collection; photos of 1970s would be of particular interest, including Vietnam era, soldiers that served, '71 snow storm, school, work and political photos; Municipal Building board room, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; all photos returned after scanning; memories and conversations on the individual photos will be recorded if you would like to share.

TAUNY EXHIBIT, PEA SOUP & JOHNNYCAKE LUNCH, exhibit: Venerable Folks of Tug Hill, an exhibit focused on the distinct cultural life of Tug Hill Plateau; pea soup and Johnnycake lunch, live music, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 53 Main St.

WOUNDED WARRIOR POOL TOURNAMENT, noon, sponsored by Edward C. Seymour Post 1231, Gouverneur St.; registration, 11 a.m., $20; trophies, prize money; info: VFW at 386-8953.

WINE TASTING, Ye Old Liquor, University Plaza; 3- 7 p.m.; variety of wines, cheese, crackers.

GRASSE RIVER PLAYERS, “Starlite Lounge Murder Mystery” at The Club, dinner theater buffet, $40; cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6, performance at 7; tickets sold at The Club and The Pear Tree, must be purchased by Feb. 10, no tickets sold at the door; info: Carole, 386-3712; audience encouraged to dress in 1945 period apparel.

MITE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT, Canton Pavilion from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

WOMENS BASKETBALL, SUNY Canton vs. Villa Maria College, 2 p.m., Roos House.

MENS BASKETBALL, SUNY Canton vs. Villa Maria College, 4 p.m., Roos House.

WOMENS HOCKEY, SUNY Canton vs. Stevenson University, 4 p.m., Roos House.

MENS HOCKEY, St. Lawrence University vs. Colgate University, 7 p.m., Appleton Arena.