With opportunities to visit with friends and enjoy winter activities, refreshments and entertainment, Saratoga Battlefield’s 13th Annual Frost Faire looks to carry on the tradition.

Sponsored by the Town of Stillwater, the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield and the Saratoga National Historical Park, the Frost Faire runs from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 at Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater. Admission to the popular local event is free.

Stillwater Town Clerk Sue Cunningham said the celebration has always taken place on the last Saturday in January, but was originally called the Snow Fest. The name and a few of the activities were changed because there was no snow the first year the event was held.

Gina Johnson, chief of education at the park, acknowledged the significant impact the weather can have on the Frost Faire, and said it even had to be cancelled one year because it was so cold. Even if the weather isn’t perfect, Johnson believes the event offers attendees plenty of things to do.

“It’s wonderful. There are so many different little things going on,” Johnson said. “The Frost Faire offers a little bit of everything for everyone.”

If there’s snow, people can bring their snow tubes for a spectacular ride on the “Big Hill.” Sleds and toboggans, however, are not allowed.

If there’s no snow, folks can still enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, contra-dancing, guided historic snow-shoe treks, and a winter nature hike with hidden treasures and prizes. There are also special exhibits, crafts, and games to check out, plus cocoa and cookies by the bonfire.

Cunningham recommended getting to the Frost Faire early. She said the parking lot fills up quickly, and remains full the entire time. In fact, she recalled having to turn people away a few times because they ran out of parking.

“The Frost Faire is a chance to get out in the dead of winter,” Cunningham said. “It’s a great family outing, and it won’t cost you a fortune.”

Johnson is anticipating approximately 500 people this year. She said attendance varies between 200 and 600, depending on the weather.

“What’s nice about our event is that it’s immersed in a historic landscape. It’s an opportunity to see how people back then celebrated,” Johnson said. “It’s both old and new.”

For more information on the Frost Faire, call 664-9821 ext. 224 visit www.nps.gov/sara.