Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
CANTON — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is inviting families and visitors to embrace the North Country chill for the 30th annual Canton Winterfest, a 10-day community celebration …
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CANTON — The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce is inviting families and visitors to embrace the North Country chill for the 30th annual Canton Winterfest, a 10-day community celebration running Feb. 6 through Feb. 15.
Event organizers have noted, however, that due to extreme cold this weekend, the cardboard sled races have been postponed until Saturday, Feb. 14.
The milestone anniversary is made possible through the support of lead sponsors Macfadden Dier Insurance (serving Canton, Potsdam, and Gouverneur) and Coakley Home and Hardware, Canton.
Their contributions anchor a town-wide schedule that features dozens of events ranging from high-energy athletics to quiet historical reflections.
New this Year
Organizers are highlighting several new additions to the tradition this year.
On Saturday, Feb. 7, families can gather at Canton Apple at 1 p.m., for hot beverages from One Steep at a Time and St. Lawrence Valley Roasters. Hard cider will be on tap along with hot cider for the NA drinkers. If you want to snowshoe around the property, please do so if you can bear the weather.
Later in the week, on Feb. 14, the Canton Historian’s Office will host a “Winter Memory Collection”; from noon to 4 p.m. inviting residents to share and record stories of past snowstorms, sledding, and local history.
“Canton Winterfest is about celebrating everything that makes this town a great place to live,” Tom Graser, Canton coordinator for the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce said.
“It is a 10-day window to highlight our local businesses and community spirit.”
Traditions Continue
The festival also brings back old standards that have defined the event for three decades.
The popular Cardboard Sled Races, hosted by Nature Up North, are scheduled to return to the SUNY Canton sledding hill on Feb. 7. Participants are invited to build vessels using only cardboard, duct tape, and recycled materials to compete for the fastest times and best designs. Be sure to check online for the latest cancellations related to this event.
For adults, Riverside Liquor & Wine will host wine and spirits tastings throughout both weekends of the festival.
Other weekend highlights: Pancake Breakfast: An all-you-can-eat fundraiser at Canton United Methodist Church on Saturday morning. Little River Winterfest: The 22nd annual family fun afternoon on Feb. 7, featuring a petting zoo with miniature donkeys, snow castles, and face painting. Athletics: A packed schedule of collegiate hockey, basketball, and squash at both St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton. History buffs can visit the St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture for Victorian Valentine’s Day crafts and self-guided tours, while arts enthusiasts can view the “In Listening to These Works” exhibition at St. Lawrence University.
To participate in the full range of activities and access exclusive shopping discounts, residents are encouraged to purchase a 2026 Winterfest button for $3 (or two for $5) at various local businesses.
This year’s button was designed by local high school student Tessa Alguire.
Each button purchase doubles as an entry into a raffle, which includes a $500 grand prize gift card to Coakley Home and Hardware.
For a full schedule of events and a list of participating discount locations, residents can visit https://tinyurl.com/5yfk3e9e or contact Tom Graser at tom@slcchamber.org or call 315-386-4000 ext. 5.
This year’s button was designed by Tessa Alguire, a student at Hugh C. Williams High School. Photo submitted by St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.
The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce has kicked off button sales for the 30th annual Canton Winterfest, a 10-day celebration scheduled to run from Feb. 6 through Feb. 15.
The festival, which highlights local businesses and outdoor recreation, relies on its signature Winterfest buttons to act as both a community fundraiser and a “passport” to local deals. This year’s button was designed by Tessa Alguire, a student at Hugh C. Williams High School.
Buttons are priced at $3 each or two for $5. Each purchase includes one entry into a raffle featuring high-value local prizes.
This year’s festivities are supported by major sponsors Macfadden Dier Insurance and Coakley Home and Hardware Canton.
“The tradition continues,” Tom Graser, the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Canton Coordinator, said. “For 30 years Winterfest has celebrated what makes Canton a premier place to live year-round.”
Where to Buy
Buttons are available at 14 local retailers through the final day of the festival: Best Western University Inn, 90 E Main St.; Canton Animal Clinic, 2750 State Highway 68.; Cellar 25b, 25b Main St.; North Country Savings Bank, 127 Main St.; Gallery of Art & Learning (GOAL), 101 Main St.; Grasse River Outfitters, 45 Main St.; Nature’s Storehouse, 21 Main St.; Riverside Liquor & Wine, 33 Riverside Drive; Stadium Sports Bar, 35 Main St.; White’s Flowers, 35 Miner St.; Coakley Home and Hardware, Canton, 2535 NY-68; St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture Gift Shop, 3 East Main St.; Northern Lights Dispensary, 51 Main St.; St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, 101 Main St.; The Pear Tree, 77 Main St.; and the Canton town and village offices, municipal building, 60 Main St.
Exclusive Button Discounts
From Feb. 6–15, button holders can present their button at the following locations for specialized savings:
Raffle Prizes
The 2026 raffle is headlined by a $500 grand prize gift card to Coakley Home and Hardware. The second grand prize is an overnight stay at the Best Western in Canton.
Individual prizes include $100 gift certificates to Nature’s Storehouse, Northern Lights Dispensary, and Save-a-Lot Canton. Other prizes include a floral basket from White’s Flowers, a local crafts basket from GOAL, a $50 golf simulator certificate for the Stadium, a $50 Kinney Drugs certificate, two $50 certificates for Sergi’s Canton, and a gift basket from The Pear Tree.
The drawing date for the raffle is yet to be determined.
From cardboard sled races to pancake breakfast, many events planned during Canton Winterfest
Note: Some dates have changed due to cold weather
CANTON — Wine and spirits tasting will be held at Riverside Liquor, 33 Riverside Dr.; 3-6 p.m.
History
CANTON — The St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture will participate in Winterfest with in-person and virtual events Feb. 6 and Feb. 10–13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Events include self-guided museum tours ($5 admission), a Victorian Valentine’s Day craft station (free with admission), featured collection highlights on social media and 10% off items in the museum gift shop with promo code WINTERFEST10. Winterfest 2026 buttons will be available for purchase at the museum gift shop, 3 E. Main St., during open hours.
Night Life
CANTON — The Stadium will host karaoke night with Given Lyrics. 7 p.m.
Athletics
CANTON — SLU men’s hockey will face Union College at 7 p.m. at Appleton Arena.
CANTON — SUNY Canton women’s basketball will play Oswego at 5:30 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — SUNY Canton men’s hockey will play Cortland at 7 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — SUNY Canton men’s basketball will play Oswego at 7:30 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — The Section X Championship indoor track meet will be held at 6 p.m. at the SLU Field House.
Arts
CANTON — “In Listening to These Works” will be on display at St. Lawrence University through March 20. Featured artists include Kelly Tsieriwaiens Back, Tyson Karonhiahere Back, Bruce Boots, Katsitsionni Fox Iakonikonrriosta, Margaret Jacobs, Niio Perkins, Roger Sosakete Perkins, Nanci Kanieson Ransom, Marjorie Kaniehtonkie Skidders, Kit Thomas, Yvette White and Wilma Cook Zumpano.
Family Fun
CANTON— The 8th Annual Cardboard Sled Race at SUNY Canton, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 is postponed to Saturday, Feb. 14, at 10:00 a.m. due to cold temperature.
CANTON — An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at Canton United Methodist Church. Cost is $8.50 per person. Breakfast includes pancakes with real maple syrup, scrambled eggs, bacon,sausage, homemade donut holes, toast, juice, and choice of coffee or tea.
CANTON — Little River Winterfest will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at Little River Community School, featuring live music, activities and refreshments. Family fun event including snow castles, petting miniature donkeys, colored snow, indoor craft projects, chess, face painting, and more. Hot cider and cookies will be served. Rain or shine.
CANTON--Indoor hard cider, hot cider, warm food and snowshoeing (if you're feeling hardy!) at Canton Apples | 1:00 p.m.
Wine Appreciation
CANTON — Wine and spirits tasting will be held at Riverside Liquor,33 Riverside Dr.; 2-5 p.m.
Athletics
CANTON — SLU women’s squash will face Hamilton College at 2 p.m. at the Robie Squash Center.
CANTON — SLU men’s squash will face Hamilton College at 2 p.m. at the Robie Squash Center.
CANTON — SUNY Canton men’s hockey will play Morrisville at 4 p.m. at the Roos House.
Athletics
CANTON — SUNY Canton JV men’s basketball will face North Country Community College at 5 p.m. at the Roos House.
Arts
CANTON — Project Trio will perform at 7 p.m. at the Peterson-Kermani Performance Hall at St. Lawrence University. A dynamic and innovative music group known for its genre-blending performances and captivating stage presence. The trio pushes the boundaries of traditional chamber music.
Athletics
CANTON — The Section X state-qualifying indoor track meet will be held at 6 p.m. at the SLU Field House.
Public Service
CANTON — Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 212 of the SUNY Canton Miller Campus Center.
Arts
CANTON — The Carnegie 10 International Film Series will present a screening of “Nostalgia” at 6 p.m. at St. Lawrence University. After spending 40 years between Lebanon and Egypt, entrepreneur Felice returns to his hometown of Naples, Italy. Here, he meets Don Luigi, a priest who fights the Camorra and tries to give the young people a better future.
History
CANTON — A Black History Month brown-bag presentation will be held at noon, hosted by the St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture. DeKalb historian Bryan Thompson will discuss slavery. Available in person and via Zoom.
Public Service
CANTON — Blood drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Room 212 of the SUNY Canton Miller Campus Center.
Wine Appreciation
CANTON — Wine and spirits tasting will be held at Riverside Liquor, 33 Riverside Dr.; 3-6 p.m.
Glow in the Snow
CANTON — A Glow in the Snow ice lantern walk and selfie spot will open at 68 Court St. and run through Saturday evening. Join Siena Academy students for a Valentine’s-themed ‘Glow in the Snow’ installation. Stroll through a display of handcrafted ice lanterns and visit the ‘Selfie Spots’ backdrop for a photo. Installation opens Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.
Athletics
CANTON — SLU women’s hockey will face Cornell University at 6 p.m. at Appleton Arena.
CANTON — SUNY Canton women’s basketball will play Cortland at 5:30 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — SUNY Canton women’s hockey will face Potsdam at 7 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — SUNY Canton men’s basketball will play Cortland at 7:30 p.m. at the Roos House.
Family Fun
CANTON — Cardboard sled races hosted by Nature Up North will begin at 10 a.m. at the SUNY Canton sledding hill. Registration runs from 10 to 10:30 a.m., followed by judging and races.
Wine Appreciation
CANTON — Wine and spirits tasting will be held at Riverside Liquor, 33 Riverside Dr.; 2-5 p.m.
Christmas Tree Burning
CANTON — A Christmas tree burning will take place at 1 p.m. at Canton Apple.
Glow in the Snow
CANTON — A Glow in the Snow ice lantern walk and selfie spot will open at 68 Court St. and run through Saturday evening. Join Siena Academy students for a Valentine’s-themed ‘Glow in the Snow’ installation. Stroll through a display of handcrafted ice lanterns and visit the ‘Selfie Spots’ backdrop for a photo. Installation opens Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.
History
CANTON — Winter Memory Collection will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Canton Historian’s Office.
Athletics
CANTON — The SLU men’s and women’s squash Liberty League tournament; held at Robie Squash Center.
CANTON — SLU women’s hockey will face Colgate University at 3 p.m. at Appleton Arena.
CANTON — SUNY Canton women’s basketball will play Morrisville at 2 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — SUNY Canton women’s hockey will face Plattsburgh at 3 p.m. at the Roos House.
CANTON — SUNY Canton men’s basketball will play Morrisville at 4 p.m. at the Roos House.
