WinterFest in Estes Park

Today we went to the Stanley Park Fairgrounds to check out the 3rd annual WinterFest. It was fun! There was live music, vendors, beer and wine, and chili. Lots and lots of chili. The biggest part of the fest seems to be the chili cookoff, but since we arrived relatively late in the afternoon and didn't want to spoil our dinner, we didn't partake in the voting process. We did try a couple of samples, most of which were really yummy. The place was packed! I am sure it's been really great for Estes Park.

Outside the main stage there was a Candy Land ice castle, ice bowling, and a snow cone ice luge! There was also a petting zoo with one of the most adorable--if not completely aderpable--llamas I've ever seen in my life.

We didn't stick around for things like the jalapeno eating contest or the bonfire, and we missed the Ceilidh Irish Barn Dance that they put on last night to kick it off, but it was still a cool little event. It's expanded a lot, apparently, and now takes place at the fairgrounds instead of at Bond Park. So yay for Estes! I actually also ran into a vendor I once sat next to at a craft fair in Louisville where I was selling my wreaths, so it was neat to catch up with her.