As COVID-19 mandates are becoming stricter once again and cases are on the rise, the Board of Directors and Winterfest Committee have been in touch with the City of Portsmouth Health Department. Despite working hard to host Winterfest this year, Friends of Portsmouth announced “we cannot go forward with holding our month-long festivities, safely.” 

First scheduled for Nov. 28 to Dec. 24, this would have been the third annual Winterfest. Quickly becoming a town favorite over the past couple of years, Winterfest had several family and fun activities such as ice skating, tube sliding, carriage rides, vendors and so much more. Creating a Winterfest tradition, Portsmouth has broken a world record each year so far. In 2018, Portsmouth broke the record for “most people caroling” and in 2019, broke the record for “most people wrapping gifts simultaneously.” Portsmouth was even named Hallmark’s 2019 Hometown Christmas Town due to the festivities!

Friends of Portsmouth says that they still plan to decorate Market St. and Market Square to try and “keep it as festive as we can.” Knowing that it is not the news anyone wanted to hear, they want to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including the community. Friends of Portsmouth plans to use this time to focus on creating a better 2021 Winterfest and River Days. 

“We look forward to the day we can whisk our community away to a winter wonderland again. Stay safe and healthy,” Friends of Portsmouth said.