NJ Weekend January 29-30: Fire, Ice & Winter Festivals

1/27/11 - By Desiree

Winter, snow, and ice may not be my idea of fun, but when you add the word "festival" after them I may just change my mind! This weekend New Jersey brings you two winter fests with ice-cold entertainment like live ice-sculpting and dog sled demonstrations that is balanced off by warming events like a chili cook off, a pancake breakfast, and tons of indoor fun for kids like a puppet show and a Frosty the Snowman musical. Harold and the Purple Crayon is playing on-stage at NJPAC. Older kids can brave the outdoors trying their hand at snowshoeing or searching for bald eagles. Finally, the Morris Museum has a fun "heart art" art project that is free with museum admission.

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Fire & Ice Festival (Mount Holly)
An ice carving competition, a chili cookoff, a gingerbread house decorating contest, dog sled demonstrations, fire engine rides, zoo on wheels, K9 search and rescue, and much more makes the winter cold a bit more fun.
Saturday from 10:30am to 4pm. FREE.

Lambertville - New Hope Winter Festival (Lambertville & New Hope)

This week-long festival culminates with a spectacular list of kid-friendly events over the entire weekend. Not only will there be live ice-sculpting, but on Saturday there is a free puppet theater, theater arts, storytime, a performance of the musical Frosty the Snowman, a parade, and a dance show. On Sunday enjoy a pancake breakfast and a children's activity center.  FREE. Tickets required for certain events such as concert, taste of winter, beef n brew, (the chili cook off is sold out).

Harold and the Purple Crayon at NJPAC (Newark)
Crockett Johnson's Harold books come to life in a musical adaptation of the story using large scale video animation. The performance is just an hour long, perfect for kids 4 and up. Saturdy and Sunday at 1pm. Tickets are $22 for adults, $12 for kids.

Snowshoe Adventure at Pyramid Mountain (Montville Township)
With all the snow we've been having, it's time to try out some different winter sports like snowshoeing! This afternoon hike is just the thing to get you started. Rent a pair of snowshoes or bring your own. Ages 8 and up. Sunday, 12:30 p.m. (for those renting snowshoes), 1:30 p.m. (for hikers and those who do not need snowshoes). $10 for educational program and snowshoe use. $3 for hike (no snowshoes).

Eagle Watching at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center (near Englewood)
If you have never seen a bald eagle in the wild, this is the perfect opportunity to see then and learn all about the animal that is the symbol of the US! The search will take participants up the Hudson and across the New York border, with possible stops at Bear Mountain, Croton Point, and George’s Point. Sunday from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Ages 10 and up. Registration required by calling 201-567-1265. $20 per person. Dress for the weather and bring your best optics. Meeting location will be forwarded after registration.

Heart Art at the Morris Museum (Morristown)
Kids can decorate their own heart-shaped treasure box at this free art workshop. Saturday from 10am to noon. Ages 6-10. Registration required by calling 973-971-3720. Free with museum admission, which is $10 for adults, $7 for kids 3 and up.