Rockton Yeti Fest

Rockton Yeti Fest welcomes record crowds Yeti Fest which is billed as “A festival where the abominable snow people of Rockton and their friends come out to enjoy come out to enjoy a mixture of winter related activities and is a celebration of all things winter; mainly revolving around Yetis.” In its fourth year the Rockton Yeti Fest lived up to its reputation of great fun by drawing thousands of visitors!
In spite of weather breaking cold temperatures and wind chills the four-day event started on Wednesday, Jan. 30 as snow sculptors dressed for the elements and began mastering their works of art. By Friday evening temperatures were above zero and some of the teams returned to work on their pieces.
An exhibition featured stunning creations for all to enjoy with detailed works of the Snow Sultans, Kindred Snow Weasels; VIB- Vikings in Black, Team Lentz Snow Rippers, Slacktastic 4, Snow Beards, and Solo Floofen’s.
Wyatt Hunter was part of the Snow Sultans team. Out of the four years that the Rockton Yeti Fest has been in existence Hunter has been sculpting two of those. “This year the sculpture began in concept as a tortoise with a top hat. The tortoise would have a saddle with a tiny yeti Buddha with a globe in his hand. The finished project was tortoise with a top hat, “Hunter shares. “Last year I didn’t have any partners to work with but this year I did. This helped to assure that this year’s sculpture would be more complete and detailed because I had teammates. “Last year I broke part of my sculpture and I didn’t have time to give it legs. “What I like about snow sculpting is that it is challenging. It takes both physical and metal effort to take what’s in your mind and to chisel that into reality. I also like that these sculptures are temporary. I think it gives you a great appreciation for them and for the process of creating them. “I have had a very enjoyable experience, “Hunter adds.”
Young and young at heart worked together in building a giant community snow fort in Settlers Park. Smiles and laughter were heard as little ones found and ran after the Yeti who appeared in different locations throughout the event.
Warm Yeti Fest adventures came in the form of a scavenger hunt where participants stopped into specified downtown locations to search for stuffed Yeti’s. Once spotted the Yeti’s name was found on a scarf. After being found hunters printed off a scavenger card posted on the Yeti Scavenger Hunt Facebook page and wrote down the Yeti’s name and location.
An already sold out Hot Cocoa crawl which was new to this year’s event proved to be a very popular addition.
Adults put on their best or cutest onesie to wear to a pub crawl on Friday night. Hot spots for the pub crawl included six establishments plus an extra heated tent in Settlers Park.
Friday evening’s highlight was the Free Spirit Dog Sled Dog team who returned to give three demonstrations. The team picked up speed as they ran a course through a very snowy path. After the demonstration a “Meet and greet” was held.
On Saturday imaginations were at their best at Erica’s Board Creations! A “Make and Take” was completed during the Yeti Fest Hot Cocoa Crawl. A variety of boards was on hand, and previously sanded and stained; ready to paint as special Yeti creations were made.
The Olive Branch food truck added an extra option for who love Greek food.
“My best friend Angie Roeske and I had made plans to bring our families to the event to enjoy the marshmallow roast, and Jodi May has the best homemade marshmallows at Sugar Britches, “Tonya White said. “While we were just a bit late for the dog sled demonstration we still had the opportunity to meet the team and their handlers. We had a great time walking through Settler’s Park enjoying the snow sculptures. I loved the planned activities that allow us to explore the beautiful downtown Rockton area. I wish we would have been able to participate in the Hot Cocoa Crawl. This is on the “must do “list for next winter. It was great to get outside and to enjoy winter activities after being cooped up in the house due to the extreme winter weather earlier in the week.”
Lindsey Faye brought her three year old daughter Raelynn out for Yeti Fest fun. “I love the Village of Rockton, sponsors and community members put so much effort in bringing such a great event to the community, even in the bitter cold months,” Faye said. “I loved how the hot cocoa crawl was sold out two weeks before the event. This really shows that our community really appreciates what our village is doing for us.”
“I was thrilled to see so many people in town, “Tricia Davey said.
Yeti Fest was organized by Village of Rockton Planning and Development Administrator, Tricia Diduch, with the help of volunteers. Diduch reflected on the event, “It was a great turnout! Downtown Saturday turned into