Ruth McWilliams | Photo submitted

COLTON -- Organizers of the annual Colton Winterfest have decided this year to divide festival activities over three consecutive January weekends rather than run them all in one week.

The Winterfest Planning Committee, chaired by Grace Hawley, said in a press release the move to divide events over three weekends will give people a chance to participate in more events.

The festival schedule will be:

• Jan. 11-13 – History focus including Citizen of the Year award during Spaghetti Dinner, Quilt Show, History Presentation, and more;

• Jan. 18-20 – Sports focus including Cross-Country Ski Race, Sleigh Rides, and more;

• Jan. 25-27 – School focus including Craft and Health Fairs, Educational Program, and more.

The theme of the 2019 Winterfest is Rockin’ in the Great South Woods. Activities will include favorites of the past plus some new twists and new fun activities indoors and out, the committee said.

Any individual, business, or organization wishing to assist the planning committee by organizing and hosting Winterfest activities needs to fill out an event form available on the town’s website (www.townofcolton.com) under News and also from the Town Clerk in the Colton Town Hall on Main Street.

Forms need to be turned in at the Town Hall to Grace Hawley’s attention by Friday, Nov. 16 for scheduling and publicity purposes.

Hawley can also can be called at 315-262-2439 for more information.

During the festival the Winterfest Committee presents the Virginia Smith Outstanding Citizen Award to a resident of the town who is an active volunteer and exemplifies the adage "neighbors caring for neighbors."

Nominations for the award, in the form of a letter to Ms. Hawley providing the basis for the recognition, also are due by Nov. 16.

Past award recipients are identified on a plaque in the Board Room of the Colton Town Hall and are listed on the town’s website under Community.

As always the festival will support the Neighborhood Center serving Colton, Pierrepont, and Parishville.

Fund raising will be done throughout the month of January, with a number of activities planned including the raffle of a painted barn quilt and the silent auction of gift baskets being coordinated by the town’s Tourism & Beautification Committee.

Those wishing to assist with activities and/or fundraising for the town’s 2019 Winterfest also are invited to attend the next monthly planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Colton Town Hall.