After a brutal month of snow and single digit temperatures, Upper Macungie Township’s Winterfest drew crowds to its annual Winterfest Feb. 15 at Grange Park. Residents were eager to get outside and enjoy the “milder” cold temperatures 4-7 p.m.

Grange Park was transformed into a winter wonderland. The township provided hats, winter-themed wristlets and snowflake balls at the township welcome desk.

Saucon Valley Carriage Company provided visitors with horse-drawn carriage rides around the park. Visitors were lined up throughout the event to enjoy the ride. Julie Malloy brought her grandsons Joseph and Steven to the event. The family was excited for the horse-drawn carriage ride.

Spruce Ridge Reindeer Farm of Albrightsville supplied two reindeer for the event. Handlers Anastasia Schulte and Damien Daubert introduced 9-year-old Cupid and 7-year-old Vixen, both female reindeer. The Arctic animals drew many curious children and adults. Alyssa Bolem and her son Noah enjoyed feeling the antlers.

Both male and female reindeer shed their antlers each year. Schulte explained antlers are like fingerprints. Each set of antlers is unique to the reindeer. “We know them by their unique antlers. We have a difficult time recognizing them when they shed their antlers,” she said. She said each of the reindeer have playful personalities and like to play games with their handlers. Spruce Ridge has 10 total reindeer with a little baby reindeer born last year. The farm also provides tours.

Dozens of vendors offered visitors music, snacks, crafts, meats, popcorn and Girl Scout cookies. Others provided information for activities like karate, voting and safety. An inflatable igloo and snow machine allowed children to play with soft snowballs.

Cetronia Ambulance was on site to inform as well as assist in case of emergencies.

An inflatable gingerbread house called “The Pub” provided adult beverages from Clover Hill Winery and McCall’s Collective Brewing Company. Visitors could roast marshmallows over fire pits stationed throughout the event providing warmth along the path. At the end of the path, visitors could purchase food from a number of food trucks and listen to the classic rock band “The Left Edge.”

During the band’s break, the crowds were mesmerized by Alex “the fire guy” who did a variety of stunts using fire. Richard Johnson warned the crowds “not to try these stunts at home” and made sure there was enough space for the safety of the live performer as well as the audience. The crowds appeared to enjoy the evening of free activities.