BEND, OR -- For the first time in its 15 year history, Bend’s Winter Fest will not include any ski or snowboard events. Aaron Switzer, owner of festival organizer Lay it Out Events, tells KBND News temperatures expected for next weekend could make it the warmest Winter Fest on record. "It’s going to be Summer Fest in February, from what the forecast looks like. But, people have an affection for the idea that it’s gonna snow at Winter Fest and it’s gonna be cold, and that is great. But, the reality of what we see in terms of attendance numbers is, the warmer the weather, the more people come out. So, our expectation, given the high temperatures, is that this will probably be the biggest Winter Fest on record."
In the past, the festival has trucked in up to 55 loads of snow from Mt. Bachelor to the Old Mill District, to create an area for snow competitions. But, this year, Switzer says that is not possible. "What we were able to do is reach out to Metal Mulisha, who performs the Red Bull highflying acrobatics on Sunday, and pull in additional [motocross] riders. There’s a higher class of riders so we’re going to have four instead of two riders, and we’re going to put on just a bigger, much more exciting show for people."
Winter Fest kicks off at the Old Mill District next Friday, when temperatures could hit 60-degrees.
