February may be the shortest month on the calendar, but it is a month full of Adirondack festivals and winter celebrations. One place to finish the season off February is the 18th annual Frozen Fire and Lights in Inlet.

It is the perfect place to celebrate the best of the winter season. Always held on the last Saturday in February, this year Inlet’s town-wide celebration lands on Leap Day.

The event’s originated when French Louie ADK Sports owner Paul Chambers chose to celebrate his birthday with fireworks. The event has grown and this February 29th a variety of Inlet businesses and area parks will be bustling with activity.

Frozen Fire and Lights kicks off with an 8:30 am pancake breakfast and rummage sale. All proceeds benefit the Community Church’s mission to Mexico to build an orphanage. The activities continue throughout the day to include cardboard sled races, book sales, a Noah’s Ark Animal Workshop activity (stuff your own toy), free face painting, skishoe demonstrations, and a wine tasting at Fourth Lake Wine and Spirits.

For the second year, 200 free kites will be given out at The Woods Inn Pavilion. Participants can decorate and fly the kites on nearby Fourth Lake. Evening fireworks and bonfire (with free snacks) are held at Arrowhead Park overlooking Fourth Lake.  You can close out the celebration with live music at The Woods Inn or wine and chocolate tastings at Matt’s Draft House. 

If you can’t make it, don’t worry. Ice skating, a lighted sledding hill, and miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are always free at the town’s Fern Park. Ski, snowshoe, and skate rentals are available at the local shop Pedals and Petals.