Andover Winter Fest Returns Saturday ... Without The Winter Weather

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Winter Fest returns to Pomps Pond on Saturday albeit without the winter weather that traditionally has been a big part of the Andover Conservation Commission-sponsored festival.

The free family festival is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 147 Abbot St. With temperatures expected in the 40s and 50s —Saturday's high is 40 degrees — organizers said this year's festival will take place at the shoreline instead of atop Pomps Pond as in previous years.

In addition to the Conservation Commission, the other Andover departments helping to put on the event include: Recreation, Public Works and Public Safety.

The festival once again will offer lessons to participants on wildlife conservation and the protection of species indigenous to Andover.

There will be guided hikes around the pond, an ice yacht exhibit and an ice harvesting demonstration featuring 18th-century tools.

Additionally, an outreach coordinator from Zoo New England will lead a mock turtle track exercise and representatives from the local Saint Bernard kennel club will appear with several dogs.

The event will end with a live water rescue demonstration by Andover Fire Rescue, the latter is scheduled for about 1:45 p.m.

Organizers said complimentary hot dogs and hot cocoa will be provided to attendees and parking is available on-site.

"Winter Fest has become a winter tradition in Andover, and we look forward to welcoming families back to Pomps Pond on (Saturday)," said Robert Douglas, Andover director of conservation. "The mild winter has caused us to make some adjustments to our planning this year, but it still promises to be a great event loaded with fun winter activities."