Sag Harbor Heats Up for Harborfrost 2016
Celebrate the cold this winter weekend with Sag Harbor’s annual HarborFrost on Saturday, February 27 from 2–6 p.m.
The HarborFrost festival has been a village tradition since 2010, when the Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce decided to offer the East End a remedy for cabin fever. Each year festival-goers bundle up and head out in droves for this winter extravaganza. Locals and visitors find plenty of exciting ways to stay warm at HarborFrost, from music to fire dancers and jugglers. At 6 p.m., the sky above the harbor comes alive with a gorgeous fireworks display.
According to Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Field, the fireworks are the highlight of the event, and the main draw for visitors. “They’re certainly my favorite part,” she says. “They just look different in the sky in wintertime.” Over the icy waters of the harbor, the fireworks are enchanting.
The town is set to come out of hibernation for the weekend, filling all corners with cocktail parties, live music and even the infamous Plunge, a winter dip into the waters off Windmill Beach. The past few years, the Plunge has been cancelled due to ice. This year’s Plunge seems likely to go off without a hitch, as the forecast has everyone feeling hopeful. Keep your eye on the harbor. No ice, and you can dare to take a dive into the winter waters. Entry to the plunge is $20 per person with proceeds benefitting the Sag Harbor Volunteer Ambulance.
If you’ve got little ones in tow, have no fear! It may be chilly, but there are plenty of indoor activities throughout the weekend to help the kids warm up and have fun. Head over to Dodds and Eder, located at 11 Bridge Street, from 2–5 p.m. for all sorts of children’s crafts and activities. Participating businesses include Sag Harbor Kids, Rainbow School, Barefoot Kids, The Wharf Shop and “Play Food” by Bay Burger. The John Jermain Library in its satellite location on Water Street is another great stop for kids to defrost and have a good time.
The Sag Harbor American Music Festival is arranging musical entertainment this year, so it’s sure to be a rockin’ good time. Performances will take place at various locations throughout the town. This year, ice sculptors will begin creating their frozen artwork at 2 p.m. on Long Wharf. In addition to the carving demonstrations, smaller ice sculptures sponsored by local businesses will be displayed throughout the streets of Sag Harbor. Take the time to explore the town, listen to some music and find some hidden icy wonders. Feel free to wander through Sag Harbor’s numerous galleries and shops you’ve always wanted to visit. Then, head back to Long Wharf for the fiery events of the day. Fire Juggler and East Ender Keith Lief is showing off his skills all afternoon, beginning at 2 p.m. Fire Dancers join him on Long Wharf at 5:30 for a hot and dazzling performance. Fireworks begin over the harbor at 6 p.m. After the display concludes, many of the restaurants in town will be offering dinner specials.
“It’s the perfect time for everyone to walk around and go to shops and restaurants you might not normally visit,” says Field. “Mark your calendar and come down. It’s a great day, a great way to see friends you haven’t seen in a while. It gives everyone a chance to get together and get out of the house. There’s really something for everyone.”
Don’t be the last one left inside this winter weekend! Bundle up, and head out to the center of Sag Harbor for some fresh air and fun. Experience the magic for yourself. It’s perhaps the only time you’ll hear the Chamber of Commerce say, “We’re all hoping that the weather will cooperate by being snowy, nice and cold.”
For more information about the scheduled events of Sag Harbor’s HarborFrost, visit sagharborchamber.com.