Windham’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Regional School Unit 14 Parent-Teachers Association are joining forces to bring Winterfest, an outdoor winter celebration, to the town on Saturday.

While the PTA and town have hosted similar events in the past, this is the first Winterfest in recent years and the first to fall on the same weekend as the Sebago Lake Derby. The Sebago portion of the derby was canceled earlier this week but entrants will instead be allowed to fish on any lake in Cumberland County.

Linda Brooks, recreation director, said the organizers hope that having the event on the same day will help attract more people from the derby.

“We’re trying to enhance what’s already happening in the area,” Brooks said. “People come to town to participate in the fishing derby, and together with the Windham Economic Development Corp. and Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, we decided it would be good to show folks what Windham has to offer.”

Brooks said they decided on “Winterfest” as a name because, given the popularity of Summerfest, an event held in June at Windham High School, it’s recognizable in the community.

“We’d love to see it become as big as what Summerfest has become,” Brook said, “but we’re starting smaller this year.”

Amander Wotton, president of the PTA, said the event will offer a way for children and adults alike to get outside.

“In Maine it is so hard to get out and about in the winter,” Wotton said, “so this is just another way to get out and play with the community. Movement, friendships and fresh air are super important to our kids and our community.”

The event, held at Lippman Park next to Sherwin Williams paint store in North Windham, will feature snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice skating. Brooks said the organizers are “crossing their fingers for snow.”

In the event the day is more green than white, there will still be plenty of activities, Brooks said. There will be a “storybook trail candy hunt” along a walking trail in the park. Pages from a book will be presented on signs along the trail, so children can read the story as they walk. Candy will be hidden along the trail as well, to fuel the hike.

Throughout the day, attendees will be serenaded by local musicians, including Windham Middle School’s Molly Calden. Boy Scouts and local high schoolers will be volunteering at the activities, and a local church will serve hot cocoa.

Indoor activities, including a Crock-Pot Cook-Off and crafts and games, will be held at the Windham Veterans Center behind the Windham Mall.

Wotton said she’s most looking forward to having the event back this year, and thinks “it will grow and grow each year.”

“I encourage everyone to come and show their support,” Wotton said, “and show off their best recipe in the Crock-Pot Cook-Off.”

A CLOSER LOOK

Winterfest will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Lippman Park off Route 302. Parking is limited, so shuttle service will be provided between the Windham Veterans Center and the park. There is parking available behind the Windham Mall. Call Windham Parks and Recreation at 892-1905 for more information.