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02/06/2017 11:00 PMLast year, construction in downtown Chester canceled the town’s annual Winter Carnivale. Now its revival after a year’s hiatus isn’t the only item of note for the upcoming Chester Winter Carnivale, which returns on Sunday, Feb. 19. At 2 p.m., a grand marshal will lead the iconic Tractor Parade as it steps off down Main Street.
“For the first time ever we’re going to be inaugurating a grand marshal for the Tractor Parade,” said Selectman Carolyn Linn, this year’s Carnivale Committee chairman. “We’ll have all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with being the grand marshal.”
Coming full circle, the committee decided to recognize Leslie Strauss of Chester, who chaired the event for its first 25 years.
“Leslie was the creator of Winter Carnivale 26 years ago,” said Linn. “It’s her brainchild and she was the steward of this event for 25 years, so we really feel that she’s the right choice for the inaugural grand marshal.”
The rest of the day, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Chester Center, will feature a return of the traditional ice carving competition, street performers, children’s activities, and more. Also back is the Chester Hose Company’s “Chilly” Chili Cook-off. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., firefighters, individual chefs, and local restaurants will compete in their categories with their finest chili recipes. For $5—the rest of Carnivale is free—attendees can taste each chili and vote for their favorites by dropping beans into jars by the chili that they like the best.
“This is going to be the 16th year for the chili cook-off at the firehouse,” Linn noted.
After the chili tasting, Linn encourages attendees to stop by the Chester Historical Society on their way back down Main Street.
“The Chester Historical Society will be open for anybody to go through and look at the museum and learn more about the history of Chester,” she said. “That’s a great stop on your way down from the chili.”
The short stroll might also provide an opportunity to work up an appetite for other culinary offerings along Main Street.
“Most of the restaurants will be open that day. The Pattaconk usually does hot dogs outside,” Linn said. “We also bring in a brick oven pizza guy, we have a kettle corn guy—there’s more than enough food to fill anybody’s tummy.”
Just prior to the Tractor Parade’s 2 p.m. kick-off, judges and attendees will determine the winners of the ice carving competition. Four professional ice carvers and a host of amateurs will sculpt their elaborate creations along Main Street starting at 10 a.m.
“The professionals compete for prizes and then the participants can vote for the ones they like the best; they get the honor of being chosen as best carvers,” said Linn. “We never know what to expect. Every time they come, they come with new ideas and new designs. They’ve done birds, they’ve done a teddy bear—they’re just gorgeous, they’re just absolutely beautiful.”
Take note: The roads in the surrounding downtown will be closed off by 9 a.m., before the carving begins.
“People do need to be aware they won’t be able to drive into the center of town,” Linn stated.
Free shuttle bus parking will be available at four sites: the commuter lot and Roto Frank on Inspiration Lane, both off of Exit 6 on Route 9; and Chester Town Hall and Greenwald Industries on the east side of town.
“The shuttle buses will be running through all of these lots; they’ll be looping all day long,” said Linn.
Typically, Carnivale draws a crowd of 3,000 to 5,000 throughout the day.
“It’s a wonderful family event,” Linn said. “People would be well-advised to get here earlier rather than later so they can enjoy everything Carnivale has to offer.”
The 26th Chester Winter Carnivale is on Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Chester Center. Admission is free. The Chester Hose Company holds its “Chilly” Chili Cook-off from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 6 High Street; tickets are $5. Free parking and shuttle buses are available. For more information, call 860-398-0690 or visit www.facebook.com/chesterctwintercarnivale.