Andover Winter Fest Set to Return on Sunday, February 19

February 13, 2023

ANDOVER, MA - Despite unseasonably warm weather conditions experienced this winter and forecasted for the days ahead, the Andover Conservation Commission will welcome Andover families for a day filled with winter activities as Winter Fest returns to Pomps Pond on Sunday, February 19.

While the event generally takes place atop a frozen Pomps Pond, this year’s festivities will take place from the shoreline while still incorporating many of the family-favorite activities from years past. The action will get underway at 10:00 AM, and is scheduled to last until approximately 2:00 PM.

The day-long festival will include guided hikes around the pond, an ice yacht exhibit, and an ice harvesting demonstration featuring 18^th century tools. Complimentary hot dogs and hot cocoa will be provided to attendees.

An outreach coordinator from Zoo New England will be on hand to lead a mock turtle tracking exercise, a particularly popular activity introduced during last year’s Winter Fest that offers lessons to participants on wildlife conservation and the protection of species indigenous to Andover. New this year, representatives from a local Saint Bernard kennel club will be on hand with several dogs.

The event will culminate with a live water rescue demonstration by Andover Fire Rescue, slated to take place around 1:45 PM.

“Winter Fest has become a winter tradition in Andover, and we look forward to welcoming families back to Pomps Pond on February 19,” said Andover Director of Conservation Robert Douglas. “The mild winter has caused us to make some adjustments to our planning this year, but it still promises to be a great event loaded with fun winter activities.”

Staff from the Town of Andover’s Conservation Division, Recreation Department, Public Works Department, and Fire Rescue are joining forces to support the continuation of this annual tradition.

Pomps Pond is located at 147 Abbot Street. Parking is available on site.