Winter may not be your favorite season, but there are still events that will warm your heart right up. 

Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation’s Winterval is back for its 14th annual winter celebration in downtown Fort Wayne and beyond. 

From ice sculpting, crafts, recreation, and shopping, there are a lot of activities to take when Winterval returns Saturday, Jan. 25.

Event for residents, businesses

I checked in with Patti Davis, superintendent of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation and Winterval co-chair, about this year’s event.

“I’m excited to see the community come together and experience the joy that Winterval brings, especially for families and kids,” she said. “The festive atmosphere, the Warm Heart Market featuring local vendors, and unique activities like live ice carving, winter hike, curling lessons, ice skating, carriage rides, mini golf course, the Heartland Mushers, The Old Fort, and the Amazing Winterval Race are always standout highlights.”

Along with the activities, I asked about how about the opportunity for small businesses to participate. 

“It gives local businesses, artisans, and vendors a chance to share their products and connect with the community at the Warm Heart Market inside the Community Center,” Davis said. “It also draws visitors to the area, helping restaurants, shops, and other local spots in downtown and nearby neighborhoods. 

“Plus, it keeps building downtown’s reputation as a festive and vibrant destination, bringing energy and growth to the area.” 

Brave the cold

Watch live ice carving! 

Multiple locations around downtown will have ice sculpting artists carving giant blocks of ice into unique masterpieces. 

You can watch these artists at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 10 a.m., the downtown Allen County Public Library at noon, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Community Center at 2 p.m., The Landing at 2 p.m., and Promenade Park at 5 p.m. 

Before any ice is sculpted, nature lovers will want to swing by Lindenwood Park, 600 Lindenwood Ave., at 9 a.m. for a hike, followed by a bonfire.

A new addition is Polar at the Plaza at the AEP Power Plaza from 1-4 p.m. You can check out an ice sculpture gallery, live music from School of Rock, and food trucks.

Head just a little south of Fort Wayne to visit LC Nature Park, 9744 Aboite Road in Roanoke, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. With your $7 entry fee, you will see bison and elk and learn about these gorgeous animals. 

Back downtown, have a ball at the Winter Carnival at the Community Center from noon-3 p.m. There will be crafts, activities, carriage rides, mini golf sculpted by ice, and a candy luge that’s perfect for the family. As a bonus, it’s all free. So make sure to take advantage of this fantastic event.

While you are out and about, take a trip to Headwaters Park for a fun-filled day of ice skating from noon-9 p.m. with a $6 admission. 

While you’re at Headwaters, visit the sled dogs from Heartland Mushers from 1-4 p.m. This free interaction will also includes some demonstrations — granted the snow sticks around.

Looking for some entertainment? Historic Fort Wayne will have re-enactments of war times at The Old Fort with realistic props and re-enactors from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to walk you through the past. 

End your day at the Fire & Ice-themed Winter Cozy at Promenade Park from 4-9 p.m. Formerly for those 21 years and older, this free event is now open to all ages. Watch the ice sculptors, floating firepits, participate in activities, enjoy the hot cocoa/s’mores bar, take a picture in the giant igloo, and enjoy some live music. 

“Winterval brings people from all walks of life together, encouraging everyone to stay active and connect with others during the winter months,” Davis said. “With a variety of activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, no matter their age or interests. 

“It’s also a great way for people to give back by volunteering, while local organizations and nonprofits come together to make a difference.”

Head inside

Looking to take a break of the cold? Along with the outdoor Winter Carnival, the Community Center will have the Warm Heart Market open from noon-3 p.m. inside. Find the perfect unique homemade items and crafts for yourself or as a gift to someone you love. 

Another warmer activity is at Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory where you can take a stroll through their current Floor is Lava exhibition with your admission ($5 for those 3-17, $7 for adults). Enjoy a lava-inspired craft, plant giveaways, and coffee, and take in the beautiful sights of our town’s conservatory. 

Just north of downtown at the Fort Wayne Curling Club, 3837 N. Wells St., you can try out curling for free. This is the perfect chance to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

You can learn more about snow and ice at Science Central from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with your $10 admission. Dig in the ice dig station, learn about dry ice, and watch some experiments, and even make your own ice tie-dying creation.

“More than just an event, Winterval is about creating special memories and traditions for families and individuals — especially kids — through unique and meaningful experiences,” Davis said.