PITTSFIELD, Mass. Hancock Shaker Village welcomes visitors on Sunday, Feb. 20 for The Big Chill - a day of winter fun.

 

The Big Chill goes from 11AM to 4PM.

 

"Like all New Englanders, the Shakers of Hancock embraced the winter months – and so do we," said Hancock Shaker Village director Jennifer Trainer Thompson. "The Berkshires in the winter can be magical. Come enjoy a day of exploring traditions and winter fun."

 

Activities will include maple tree tapping, ice-harvesting talks and ice sculpting, visits with farm animals in the Round Stone Barn, blacksmithing and woodworking demos, snowman making, live music, and more.

 

Country music band Wild Bill and the Flying Sparks will take the stage in the Believers' Room for two afternoon sets. The Village Farm & Forest Trail and South Family Trail trails are also accessible to those wearing snowshoes. 

 

Ice harvests, once an essential part of winter in rural communities, will be explored by ice-harvesting expert Dennis Picard using historic tools and techniques. Today, ice is not only essential for keeping items cold, it is also used as a medium for artists creating intricate sculptures that reflect and refract the light like glass. Watch as two accomplished ice carvers, Peter Vacchina and Bob Markey, create pieces of art while chipping away at 300-pound blocks of ice. 

 

Andy and Trish from Windsor Hill Sugar House will demonstrate maple tapping on our large specimen tree near the Sisters Dairy and Weave Shop with their syrup and other products available for purchase in Shaker Mercantile.

 

Planned activities include:

There will be a bonfire and lunch and beverages from Bimi's Café will be available. The bar will be open for wine, Big Elm Beer, and mulled cider.

 

The Big Chill is part of Pittsfield's Office of Cultural Development 10x10 Upstreet Arts Festival. All activities are included in admission; $15 per person, free to members and children 12 and younger.