Biddeford WinterFest began in 2012 when Mayor Casavant gathered a group of individuals and organizations together to plan a weekend designed to get people outside and build community. From the start, Mayor Casavant found a true WinterFest champion in John Maxson (pictured below, far left with WinterFest volunteers). John coordinated WinterFest from 2012-2016. He is dearly missed since his passing this year on Sept. 27, 2017.
John loved organizing WinterFest for the children of Biddeford. He often said he wanted to see smiles on children’s faces in the middle of the winter when it’s often dark and dreary. For those who had very little, he wanted them to have a great winter experience at no cost. John worked tirelessly coordinating and organizing. He had a way of bringing people with little or nothing in common together to create something amazing. He didn’t seek credit for his all his work, but the only thing he ever wanted for himself was to take the first run down the sledding hill.
Now, WinterFest weekend is packed with events from Friday through Sunday, Feb. 1 – 3, 2019. WinterFest strives to have something for everyone; indoor, outdoor, younger and older! Check out the Schedule-of-Events page to see all that’s going on!
2019 Sponsors
Our incredible sledding hill (and, really the heart of the weekend) would not be possible without New Life Church, Thyng Paving, Peters Construction and Excavation, Larry Patoine Construction, Phil Labbe Excavation, and Dee Quality Foundations & Excavating , United Rentals, and Dead River!
WinterFest could not happen without the City of Biddeford. We are also very grateful to these Silver Level Sponsors!
2019 Planning Partners
- City of Biddeford, including the Mayor’s office, Downtown Development Commission, Public Works, Police Department, Recreation Department, and Ward 5 City Councilor Amy Clearwater
- Victoria Foley
- Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Community Bicycle Center
- Engine
- Heart of Biddeford
- McArthur Library
- New Life Church
