Highland is gearing up for another year of WinterFest. This year’s event will again feature many of the standards that have helped to make the celebration of the coldest months of the year a little warmer. On Saturday, Jan. 14 WinterFest 2012 will again feature the “Fire and Ice” chili contest, wagon rides on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, coffee, hotdogs, actual roasted chestnuts of Christmas carol fame, marshmallows and a heck of a lot of fun.

“It’s a nice day out. It’s a relaxing day in the fresh air and to try something new,” organizer Laurianne Marion said. “It’s a cheap day to go out and have some fun. I don’t think you’ll be displeased.”

This year’s chili contest looks like it’ll be bigger than ever. As of press time, 25 chefs were expected to participate and about as many were on standby hoping to compete in the event.

In the past, WinterFest has featured an ice-carver. But that’s been swapped out this year in favor of a candle-making booth where kids can dunk those two ends of string into the molten wax over and over again.

WinterFest 2012 again takes place on New Paltz Road at the Highland Rotary Pavilion Park. Admission is $2 for adults, but children 6 or younger get in for free. The celebration takes place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and WinterFest will go on rain or shine.

For more info, head to www.hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net or call Marion at 399-9911.

-- Mike Townshend