After being scaled down last year because of the pandemic, this year's annual Winter Fling, being presented by the Borough of Hummelstown and the Hummelstown Community Foundation, will return to a two-day format on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27 and 28.

During the ninth annual Winter Fling, activities will take place on Jan. 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. in the downtown square and on neighboring streets, which will be closed during the festivities. Events on Jan. 28 will be held at Nye Elementary School, 200 S. John St., Hummelstown, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Featured attractions in the square will be ice sculpture carving demonstrations, a performance by the Hershey School of Dance and live music by Cold Spring Union. "They are a new band for this year, so it will bring in a new group of people," noted Kelly Williamson, secretary of the Hummelstown Community Foundation. More information about the band is available at http://www.facebook.com/coldspringunion.

Local wineries and breweries will offer beverages for sale and food trucks will be stationed on-site. Also offered will be free hot chocolate and cookies. "We have numerous restaurants in the area that will be open and selling food and drinks," Williamson said. "(The Winter Fling) is very good for the community (and local) businesses."

Winter Fling apparel will be available for purchase, and there will be a photo booth.

A KIDZ Zone will also be open on Friday, where attendees can make their own s'mores in outdoor fire pits. There will also be a hula hoop contest, cardio drumming, a game truck, bounce houses, games and prizes.

At Nye Elementary School on Saturday, there will be bounce houses, children's games and crafts, a magician, a photo booth, food for sale and cupcake wars, where children will be able to decorate cupcakes and judges will choose a winner. There will also be a live Studio 22 Dance Academy performance as well as horse and carriage rides around the school.

Williamson, who noted that planning begins for the event in September, said that the Winter Fling is very popular in the community. "Even when it's cold, people come out," she stated. "It is a fun event and everyone seems to have a good time, and we are excited to be back at Nye again."

For more information about the event, search for "Hummelstown Winter Fling" on Facebook. Those with questions can email winterfling17036@gmail.com. In the event of hazardous winter weather, the event will be canceled and not rescheduled.