Winterfest 2024 had a little surprise Saturday morning in the form of snow. About 3 or 4 inches of the white stuff fell in the early hours, making Winterfest live up to its name.

“I am just grateful that Mother Nature decided to bless us with a little bit of ambience,” said Michelle Gallagher, chairman of the 31st annual festival. “I was nervous about the weather. Last year, the ice sculpture melted and smashed within an hour, it was a rather warm winter.”

The four-day festival in historic Jim Thorpe featured The Love & Light Luminary Walk, train and trolley rides, delicious food and drink around Josiah White Park, and all the shops, restaurants, and galleries on Broadway and Race Street.

Another feature that is popular every year is the Mug Walk. People who preregistered online picked up a mug and a tote bag at the train station, and a brochure with all the participating merchants. Each of the shops offered the walkers a special discount or a free gift.

The festival draws people from all over. Richard and Amber Rose from East Shore, Virginia, make Winterfest part of their winter vacation plans.

“We come every year for this weekend, and then we also like to go skiing at Blue Mountain,” Amber Rose said.

The Goldsteins from Ulster, New Jersey, also enjoy Winterfest each year. Amy Goldstein, and daughters Emily and Aster, have made it an annual trip.

“This is our third year coming, we look forward to it all year,” Amy explained. “We got here Friday night and this morning we are taking part in the Mug Walk. We enjoy walking around town and going into the stores to see what they have.”

Paul Gurule, of Ice Creations, in Temple, carved the ice sculpture on display in Josiah White Park, and was scheduled to do live ice sculptures on Saturday at the Dolan House on West Broadway.