MENDON, N.Y. — Local groups and businesses are teaming up with Monroe County to make sure families have some safe winter fun amid this ongoing pandemic. They partnered to host the annual Winterfest celebration at Mendon Ponds Park Sunday.

"The idea is that no matter what it is, everyone has something they can do outside,” Tom Morrisey, administrative manager for the county parks department, said. “Even in the dead of winter.”

From crafts to gardening to animals, activities were stationed across the park.

One popular stop was the wild wings nature center exhibit.

Visitors got up close to birds of prey, learning how the nature center provides lifelong care for animals that can't return to the wild.

Organizers of Winterfest wanted to create events that people were able to enjoy safely during the pandemic.
“Now more than ever, outdoor recreation is hugely important with folks,” Morrisey said. "We’ve seen since the start of the pandemic, our parks are full. [We want to get] people outdoors and making sure they’re safe and happy.”

The county parks department worked with other local businesses and organizations to bring the activities and demonstrations to Winterfest.