WINTERFEST 2026 AT MENDON PONDS PARK

COUNTY EXECUTIVE ADAM BELLO INVITES THE COMMUNITY

ROCHESTER, NY — Monroe County Executive Adam Bello invites residents to this year’s annual Winterfest, this Saturday, January 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This popular family event is filled with free activities for people of all ages throughout the park, including wagon rides from Heberle Stables, a visit from the Rochester Red Wings’ mascots Spikes and Mittsy, and new this year, an interactive musical performance with Mister Greene.

“With winter now in full swing, we’re excited to once again welcome residents to Mendon Ponds Park to experience Winterfest 2026,” said County Executive Bello. “This year, we’re proud to expand our offerings introducing new vendors, food, activities, and performers. I encourage everyone to mark their calendars for this day of family fun.”

For the second year, Monroe County Winterfest will include the Winterfest Hot Cocoa Races hosted by Fleet Feet and YellowJacket Racing. The races will begin at 10 a.m. from Stewart Lodge and will consist of a Trail 5k, a Road 5k, and a ½ mile Children’s Race. For more information on these races and to register, visit https://yellowjacketracing.com/races/winterfest- hot-cocoa-races-2026.

Mendon Ponds Park, the largest of Monroe County’s 22 parks, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially created landforms. For more updates on Winterfest, visit monroecounty.gov/parks-winterfest.