Colchester, Vermont - It's another cold winter day in Colchester but at the Colchester Winter Carnival, people are escaping the cold for some indoor family fun and there's a general consensus.
"Something to do on a cold winter day," says parent Kathy Gutierrez.
"Came to check out some kid friendly activities on a cold winter day," says parent Erin Brady.
Parks and Recreation Director Glen Cuttitta says the carnival is one of the biggest events the agency puts on.
"Get them into the schools, see the schools and connect with people who they haven't seen since winter started," says Cuttitta.
That means face painting, spray-on tattoos, bounce houses, and arts and crafts.
"We watched the dancers and the jugglers," says Gutierrez.
"We did the playdough, arts and crafts and the bouncing castle," says Brady.
A winter carnival wouldn't be complete without a piping hot bowl of chili or better yet a Chili Challenge. This year, the challenge was put on by the Blue Star Mothers of Vermont.
"They're a group that supports the soldiers that have been overseas," says Cuttitta.
The chili's were judged on five different characteristics: Aroma, red color, consistency, taste and after taste.
"Great way for them to raise money for families of overseas soldiers," says Cuttitta.
He says event breaks even after all is said and done.
"Just to reconnect with the community is our main goal with this event," says Cuttitta.
