Tonawanda residents to take part in some good, wholesome competition

Tonawanda – It’s that time again. Officials from the PTSA of the City of Tonawanda schools have pulled together again this year to host the second annual Winterfest, from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28.

Like true Warrior tradition, the day is packed with a variety of different competitions. To begin the day, a Chilli Cook-Off will welcome chef’s to the Tonawanda High School cafeteria (chef’s must be on site no later than 12:30 p.m.), tasting will begin at 1 p.m.

Chilli will be judged on taste, heat, and consistency. Judging will take place at 3:30 p.m. and winners will be announced at 5 p.m.

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament will be held in the Miller Gym for players in elementary, middle, and high school, playing two eight-minute halves per game. Flag football will be played rain or shine outside on the football field. Late comers may sign up to play flag football upon arrival.

The event is geared toward bringing the community together and providing the opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a day together.

“We used to be individual PTA’s. We re-configured the districts about three years ago, so now we have a centralized PTA,” said Elizabeth Olka, chair of the Winterfest event. “This idea came about because we were trying to pull everyone together and provide an age appropriate day of events. The whole family can come to this event because all the districts are involved.”

The day will feature a Chinese auction. The PTSA is still seeking donations for the auction, as well as donated baked goods to be sold at the event. Suggested themes for baskets are: books, arts and crafts, toys, movie night, games/puzzles, sports, and candy.

Contact Kris Balling at 909-3576 or Angela Stranahan at 550-3245 to donate.

Movies such as “Mr. Poppers Penquins,” “Goonies,” and “Alvin and the Chipmunk,” will be shown throughout the day, while the City of Tonawanda Recreation Department will be sponsoring arts and crafts for the day as well.

For all the gamers out there – the Winterfest event will host a video game competition, during which the games will be displayed on the gym wall. Pair up with a buddy, or compete by yourself.

The high school pool will be open from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., with lifeguards on hand for the day.

Unfortunately for the snow lovers, the weather for outside winter events has not quite held up. However, if the city gets so lucky there will be a snow fort building event, a sledding hill, and a snow sculpture competition.

“I love the snow so I was looking forward to these events. Last year, there was so much snow we had to cancel some of the events, because there was just too much snow,” said Olka.

Food served from the high school’s cafe will be available during the entire event and provided by the City of Tonawanda Youth Board.