BRINGING BACK AN ALBANY TRADITION!
Join us at the Washington Park Lake House on Saturday, December 18th from Noon-4:00pm for a free, family friendly Winter Carnival!
During this season of giving, the five neighborhood associations surrounding the park (Washington Park NA, Park South NA, Pine Hills NA, Center Square Association, Hudson Park NA), coupled with Washington Park Conservancy and the Lark Street BID, are partnering with the Albany non-profit Grassroot Givers. Founded in 2009, Grassroot Givers provides families in need with basic essentials such as clothing, home essentials and books free of charge. Currently, they are in desperate need of these specific items – winter gloves for men, women and children and like-new children’s books for all ages. Financial contributions are also most welcome to support their mission of giving with dignity. Come visit their table inside the Lake House during the Winter Carnival.
Watch the Ice Man sculpt a snowflake out of ice during a live demonstration. Watch performances by the Pokingbrook Morris Dancers, the Albany High School Albanettes and Troubadours, and the Albany High School Jazz Band. We’ll have face painters for the kids. The Albany Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club will be answering questions throughout the day. Come see historical winter pictures of Washington Park, take part in a snowflake toss, and grab a selfie in front of the ice wall. There will be light snacks including coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts.
Schedule of Activities
12:00 Ice Sculpture by the Ice Man
12:30 Albanettes & Troubadours (Albany High School)
1:00 Albany High School Jazz Band
2:30 Pokingbrook Morris Dancers
3:00 Ice Sculpture (continued)
Kindly wear a mask for the indoor portion of the events as per the City of Albany’s COVID-19 mask mandate in all city buildings.
THANK YOU!
This family friendly event is hosted by the five neighborhood associations surrounding Washington Park with the additional support of the Washington Park Conservancy, Lark Street BID, Common Council Member Richard Conti, and Common Council Member-Elect Gabriella Romero, Honorable County Legislator Matt Peter, and Honorable County Legislator Merton Simpson for their support. We also thank the City of Albany for their support.
Albany’s Washington Park was the site of a long-standing Winter Carnival from the creation of the park until the early 1970s. Historically the Winter Carnival ushered in the start of the winter season with ice skating, skiing, and other winter activities. The Winter Carnival was moved to the Empire State Plaza in the early 1970s and we are bringing it back to Washington Park. This will be the first time that our neighborhoods are able to re-establish this great event and we hope that you’re able to join us. This is just the beginning of many great things in the future.
Photo Credit: Times Union Archive