Annual WinterFest Set This Saturday in North Adams

Hundreds attended last year's WinterFest. See more photos here.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — WinterFest returns this Saturday with cool activities and hot chowder.

The 16th annual festival will be held Feb. 23 from 10 to 3 in and around the downtown and along the north side of Main Street. Organizers say the street will be turned into a "winter wonderland" this year with snow, ice sculpting and eating.

"WinterFest is adding a couple of new twists this year," said Veronica Bosley, director of tourism and community Events. "We are shutting down the north side of Main Street and city crews are trucking in snow to make an activity area right on the street. We are also hosting a community campfire, where people will be able to stop in and warm up, and maybe even roast a marshmallow or two."

(The recent rain and threat of a snowstorm on Saturday night has canceled plans to bring snow to the Main Street. It was a great idea, maybe next year?)

Large blocks of ice will be delivered early in the morning to various downtown locations and people will be able to watch throughout the day as talented artists and business owners transform the frozen water into unique pieces of art.

The WinterFest Chowder Competition is one of the staples of this winter celebration. From noon to 2, the public is invited to sample the cream of the chowder crop as area restaurants compete for the title of Best Chowder in the Berkshires.

A panel of local "celebrity" judges (including again a representative from iBerkshires) will choose their favorite and, of course, participants are welcome to vote for their preferred chowders to decide the People's Choice Award.

Williamstown Board Opts to Negotiate with College on Water St. Lot

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Tuesday, June 09, 2026

Newly elected board member Nate Budington, far left, participates in his first in-person meeting along with, from left, Matt Neely, Stephanie Boyd, Peter Beck, Shana Dixon and Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday decided to enter into negotiations with Williams College on the sale of the vacant town-owned lot at 59 Water St.

 

But the board members made it clear that the college's proposal to acquire the lot is a starting point, not a final deal that the elected officials would accept.

 

"For the sake of continued conversation, I'm in favor of [awarding Williams the site], but if this process wasn't continued with the opportunity for further negotiation, I wouldn't vote to continue this," Peter Beck said. "I think that next step is necessary for us to get to a yes on this."

 

"I think there's wide agreement on that," Matthew Neely said just before the 5-0 vote to enter talks with the college.

 

Williams was the sole respondent to a town-issued request for proposals to develop the former town garage site, currently a dirt lot.

 

The college's stated intent is to build a new Facilities office and create up to 170 parking spaces at 59 Water Street. That use will allow the college to redevelop the current Facilities building site and parking lot as part of a reconception of the school's indoor athletic and recreation facilities.

 

Under the terms of the RFP, the college's proposal was subjected to review by an ad hoc advisory committee to the town manager, who brought the question to the Select Board. That board will have the final say on any purchase and sales agreement.