01/24/2025
Snowtown USA will return in celebration of our community as one known for its fun-filled winter activities! Tune into our latest interview with David j Daily (Executive vice President, United Retail Operators) for more information!
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WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Snowtown USA will return in celebration of our community as one known for its fun-filled winter activities.
The celebration will return Monday, Jan. 20, and run through Sunday, Feb. 2. Packed with a variety of activities, this event will offer fun for all ages.
David J. Daily, one of the original Snowtown USA Committee members, said he was fortunate to be part of the event’s inception nearly 40 years ago, seeing what a joy it brought to families. Now, as co-chair of the committee, he looks forward to its return to bring fun activities for families.
“I am excited to have Snowtown back this year and the weather cooperating better this time around,” said Mr. Daily. “I can’t tell you how many people will stop by and tell us how excited they are to see Snowtown back. They remember, as a kid, going to the events and now as parents they are taking their kids to Snowtown events.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by committee co-chair Jaime Benner-Clemons.
“We’re thrilled that Mother Nature has been cooperating with every event so far this year,” said Ms. Benner-Clemons.” Living in the North Country, it can sometimes be challenging to find reasons to get out and enjoy the winter. But Snowtown USA is the perfect excuse.”
She added this beloved tradition brings the community together to “celebrate the season with fun, laughter, and plenty of snow-filled adventures.”
The Snowtown USA Committee plans to build on the success of last year. The more than week-long celebration will include several family-friendly events, including the ever-popular fan favorite — snow sculpting.
“Snow sculpting has always been a fan favorite,” said Mr. Daily. “The move to Dry Hill allows sculptors to carve with man-made snow, which is preferred.”
Mr. Daily added the committee thanked owners Janet “Boo” Wells and Patrick Jareo for making the snow to make this popular event possible this year.
"A few weeks before the event, we looked at the weather and it was determined that we would not have enough snow for the city to make the blocks,” said Mr. Daily. “Thanks to Boo and Pat agreeing to make the snow, this event will go on. Sculptors love carving with man-made snow.”
“We couldn’t do it without Dry Hill,” added Ms. Benner-Clemons. “Their unwavering support and involvement are truly invaluable, and Boo, Pat, and their team are an absolute pleasure to work with.”
She added that each sculptor “brings a unique perspective” to the competition and “witnessing their creations come to life on such a grand scale is truly awe-inspiring.”
Snowtown USA has historically kicked off with an opening ceremony at Dry Hill Ski Resort. However, this year, the event will begin with a ribbon-cutting at Thompson Park Circle and, at the end of the week-long festivities, feature a closing ceremony at Dry Hill.
The following is the schedule for this year’s Snowtown USA:
Monday, Jan. 20
Thompson Park Circle Freeze, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Open outdoor skating kicks off Snowtown USA events, with the community encouraged to bring their own skates to enjoy a throwback event that was canceled last year due to weather being too warm to host this event. Mayor Compo-Pierce will cut the ribbon to officially kick off this year's Snowtown USA festivities at 3 p.m. Open outdoor skating will continue daily through Sunday, Feb. 2, weather permitting.
Thursday, Jan. 23
Snow Sculpting, Dry Hill Ski Area, 18160 Alpine Ridge Road, Watertown, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Watch as snow sculptors from around New York State craft mesmerizing creations out of snow block, weather permitting. Snow sculpting will continue daily through Sunday, Jan. 26, weather permitting.
Snowtown Trivia, Downtown Bistro 108, 108 Court St., Watertown, 7-10 p.m. Put your mind to the test with trivia hosted by Brian Hunziker. Pub trivia style format with five rounds of trivia, to include an image round and name that tune. Snowtown Trivia will focus on the history of Watertown, local legends, famous residents, and of course all things snow! Four-person teams.
Friday, Jan. 24
Kickball tournament, Watertown Municipal Fairgrounds, 970 Coffeen St., Watertown, 6-10 p.m. Join us for the first Snowtown kickball tournament under the lights! Prizes will be provided. Cost to enter is $150 per team. Call David Daily at 315-783-2898 or Jim Scordo at 315-767-0204 to register.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Pickleball, Downtown YMCA, 146 Arsenal St., Watertown, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. The Watertown Family YMCA will host free pickleball.
Touch a Truck & Kids Day, Thompson Park Circle, Watertown, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Do you have a little one who’s a fan of fire trucks and police cars? Then stop by to see vehicles from our local fire departments, police, DPW and more! All ages are welcome. The event is free though donations to Snowtown USA are appreciated. Food vendors will also be on site.
Free Swim & Splash Pad Admission, Downtown YMCA, 146 Arsenal St., Watertown, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free refreshing afternoon of swimming and splash pad fun. Donations to Snowtown USA are appreciated
Karaoke Night, Downtown Bistro 108, 108 Court St., Watertown, 8-11 p.m. Get ready to unleash your inner superstar, Karaoke Night is here, and it's your time to shine on the mic with all of your favorite hits!
Sunday, Jan. 26
Free face painting, Jefferson County Fair Building, 970 Coffeen St., Watertown, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brushstrokes By Melina will be onsite painting faces for free! Stop by and select your favorite design.
Snowtown Soup Cook-Off, Jefferson County Fair Building, 970 Coffeen St., Watertown, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Local soup enthusiasts will be cooking up their best pots of soup to warm you up on a cold winter day. Voting will be conducted for fan favorites. Winners will be announced immediately following the competition.
Ice Cream Sculpting, Jefferson County Fair Building, 970 Coffeen St., Watertown, NY.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Snowtown USA will return in celebration of our community as one known for its fun-filled winter activities. The celebration will return Monday, Jan. 20, and run through Sunday, Feb.
