Rockton finalizes Yeti Fest events

Rockton Village trustees made some final plans for Yeti Fest during their Feb. 1 meeting.

The event is set to happen this Wednesday through Saturday, Feb. 9-12, 2022,  in conjunction with a Galentines Day event.

Yeti Fest is billed as “a festival where the abominable snow people of Rockton and their friends  come out to enjoy a mixture of winter-related activities. It's a celebration of all things winter and of course it all revolves around Yetis.” Visitors can walk, play, or skate like a Yeti.

Trustee May inquired about the possibility of adding a bonfire to Yeti Fest, amending the event application. The Village Board entered into a discussion about a location for the proposed bonfire and overall safety issues. Trustee Justin York offered to man the bonfire on Thursday night of Yeti Fest.

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“We need something definitive from the fire chief approving this, and we need to know if additional police are needed to help," Village President John Peterson said.

May read an email response from Rockton Fire Chief Kirk Wilson advising on the best way to handle a bonfire. In his reply he referenced the Village's burning ordinance but if done properly he said he didn't see any problem with having it. He recommended if doing this that a fire pit is to be used.

Village Attorney Aaron Szeto offered to check into specific allowances. The motion to approve the amended Yeti Fest application passed in a unanimous 6-0 vote.

This family friendly event grows in popularity each year, as activities increase for visitors to participate in. This year marks the seventh of this family oriented tradition.

All are invited to help build a giant community snow fort in Settlers Park and to find the Yeti. More fun comes in the form of a scavenger hunt that can be completed in downtown Rockton where Yetis are set to be hidden in businesses. Search for these Yetis. Once you spot the Yeti’s name on a scarf, print off the scavenger card posted on the Yeti Scavenger Hunt Facebook page and write down the Yeti’s name and location.

Adults (only) can put on their best or cutest onesie to wear to a Footie Pajama Pub Crawl on Friday night, from 7:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

Always a proven favorite: a family-friendly Hot Cocoa Crawl is coming back on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now to allow participants a chance to try a variety of flavors in a commemorative mug, complete with a cool stirring spoon. After tickets are purchased, the mug sets can be picked up at the Village Municipal Center (Village Hall) during office hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Or the day of the event, after you have visited all the places offering the hot chocolate, stop into the Village Hall starting at 1:00 p.m. to vote on your favorite flavor. The HD Jameson House is the sponsor of the Hot Cocoa Crawl.

On Saturday, Feb. 12, Galentine's Day is a chance to celebrate friendship while trying your luck at Drag Queen Bingo, take classes or get creative with make and takes, take part in drawings for special prizes or a huge basket giveaway. Photo opps, scratch-off deals, and finding discounts and specials in various stores add to fun options. A full list of details, participants, and specific events can be found on the Downtown Rockton's Galentines Day Facebook page. Hours of fun runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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