Above: Winter Fest & Games, 2015

Put on your snowshoes and rev up your snowmobiles: The third annual Winter Fest and Games presented by CCF Bank is coming up! From Jan. 27-29 Lake Altoona will be the coolest spot around with a flurry of events and festivities for winter enthusiasts.

Winter Fest is returning to Lake Altoona, the event’s original location, after being displaced by weather issues and restricted lake use as a result of a dam repair project last winter.

“I’m just excited to get it back out on the lake,” said Brian Sandy, one of the event’s primary organizers. “That’s where we shine. When we get good ice and everything is up and running, it’s quite a spectacle.”

Through all three days, the lake will have a large oval track for ATV and motorcycle races. In addition, road course car racing and the newly added snowmobile drag races will take place. The drag racing strip is 2,500 feet and accessible for the public to race.

Festival goers can also get their fill of competitive fun by registering for the Winter Chill Softball Tournament and the Cold & Bold Fun Run/Walk, a 5K race on the lake accompanied by a snowshoe fun walk with snowshoes provided.

The festival added some new team events. On Jan. 28 the Snowstorm Volleyball Tournament, a five-on-five co-ed tournament, and the Encore on Ice Pond Hockey Tournament, a three-on-three plus goalie contest, will be in full swing for registered teams.

However, the festivities don’t come close to ending there. Cast your lures and try catching some fish and prizes during the Altoona Winter Classic Ice Fishing Contest. There are two large heated tents where 12 bands will perform throughout the three days, and hot air balloons will be on site.

In its third year, Winter Fest continues to fill a large void in the area during the winter months: outdoor community events.

“One of the things we originally thought of was there’s just a ton of events happening during the summer months, but there’s really not that much going on in the winter,” said Sandy, marketing and promotions manager for the Eau Claire Press Co., which publishes the Leader-Telegram. “It’s a cool thing – to get out during the winter – and there’s a lot of activities for families.”

A lot of activities for families, indeed. In addition to the many tournaments, there will be a Kid’s Snow Zone that includes obstacle courses and heated tents along the beach. A Chinese lantern launch is also planned.

Parking will be available on the lake; however, a shuttle bus will be making the rounds between Lake Altoona and the Goldridge Parking Lot on Fairfax Avenue every 15 minutes during festival hours.

For a complete schedule of events, tickets prices, registration information for specific tournaments, and a gallery of photos from previous years, visit the event’s web site at winterfestandgames.com.