By Rachel R. Briere, rbriere@lowellsun.com
Members of the Lowell Devils leave members of the Lowell Boxing Club in the dust or make that snow during a preview of the Human Dogsled competition at yesterday's press conference at the Tsongas Arena announcing the upcoming Lowell Winterfest. The races are an annual highlight of the event. Sun photos/Ryan Cronin
LOWELL -- It has been almost a decade since the first Winterfest in Lowell. Nine years later, it has become the city's signature cold-weather event.
"Some say winter is depressing, cold or there is too much snow," Mayor Edward "Bud" Caulfield said during a press conference at the Tsongas Arena to announce the event. "Winterfest is about going out and enjoying all the city has to offer."
Winterfest kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 5, with the first Progressive Dinner and Jazz Night. The event resembles a bar crawl, but instead of downing draft beers, patrons will indulge on three courses at three different downtown restaurants. The idea is to travel or "progress" among the 12 participating downtown Lowell restaurants and sample their fare along the way.
Mayor Edward "Bud" Caulfield high-fives Devil Dawg, the Lowell Devils mascot.
There will also be a cocktail competition.
"We have some of the best restaurants in the Merrimack Valley right here in downtown Lowell and maybe even far beyond," City Manager Bernie Lynch said.
The dining stroll is not the only food event worth braving the cold for. Returning again this year is the ever-popular North Bowl Soup Competition at the Masonic Temple.
On both Friday evening, Feb. 6, and Saturday afternoon, Feb. 7, fest-goers can sample chowders, soups, stoups, stews and bisques from the area's culinary superstars. Veteran competitors like last year's winner, Two Chefs, and the People's Choice winner, Ricardo's Café Trattoria, both of Lowell, will defend their titles against some first-time contenders, including Mickey's Irish Pub, Lowell Beer Works and Mr. Jalapeño.
"We've been in the Soup Bowl every year since its inception, and we're glad to be back," said Richard Rourke, owner of Ricardo's.
The National Human Dogsled Competition draws arguably the largest crowd out of hibernation. More than 35 teams compete for the title of top dog, mushing down 200 yards of snow-packed track. Local teachers, high-school students and companies can enter as a team of six that not only competes on the ice, but also for best costume.
"One year the councilors were competing, and we took off," Caulfield recalled with a laugh. "Poor Councilor Armand Mercier fell off, and we ran him right over."
The event is family-driven, with plenty for children and adults alike.
The Tsongas Arena will host Mitten and Museum Madness on Saturday afternoon with free ice skating, face painting and crafts. Chocolate treats will be available at the OompaLowla's Chocolate Factory in the City Hall lobby Saturday afternoon.
"Winterfest brings more families into the downtown area to show off all we have to offer," Lynch said.
The event goes out with a bang Saturday with fireworks over the Tsongas Arena at 7 p.m., followed by the Polar Party at Club Celsius on Arcand Drive. The heated tent will have live music from Sugarfoot & the Brass Kickin' Horns, the Lisa Love Experience and the premiere U2 cover band, the Joshua Tree.
"Winter can be a tough time," Lynch said. "We know how to do things right here in the city of Lowell."
This article appeared in the Lowell Sun on Thursday, January 22, 2009