Syracuse Winterfest - (315) 676-2496 or (315)243-2500

http://www.syracusewinterfest.com/

Local and national companies found that the celebrating Syracusans were an attractive target market. They started underwriting the costs of operating Winterfest as well as sponsoring many events. Downtown Syracuse merchants and restaurants became actively involved with the festivities. People found that there were lots of ways to participate in Winterfest.

The first Winterfest was celebrated in 1985. It was the result of a small group of individuals from the Updowntowners of Syracuse who committed months of time and energy to celebrate, rather than lament, winter in Syracuse and Onondaga County. In the third year of celebration, Winterfest and the Updowntowners gained the full support of the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, The Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, and media partners. During the 1987-88 season, Winterfest garnered New York State's prestigious designation as "Winter Festival Capital". Bowing to the public's enthusiasm, Winterfest expanded from a weekend festival to its present 10 days. More than 200,000 people were attracted to Winterfest activities in 1989. The Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau reported that tourists joined with the residents of Onondaga County to celebrate winter. The list of corporate sponsors grew to a record level. The number of volunteers increased dramatically. The history of Winterfest is checkered with warm days and no snow as well as frigid weekends with snow. Over the years, the Winterfest Committee has made the event more "weather proof" with more indoor activities.
Winterfest, the celebration of snow, continues to be the grandest attraction in Central New York during the winter months. It's the largest event of its kind in the northeast
United States.

Tags: