Concord’s Winter Fest returns with food trucks

Concord’s Winter Fest returns next weekend, Friday, Jan 24-Saturday, Jan. 25, and it’s bigger than ever.

In its seventh year, the event, put on by InTown Concord, will include its staple events, like the ice-carving competition, but will now include a food truck festival and a hot cocoa tour.

Ice carving begins with demonstrations on Friday with a chance to meet some of the most talented sculptors in the region.

The competition is set for between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

This is an outdoor event, so InTown Concord reminds attendees to dress for winter.

Here’s a look at the event schedule:

Friday, Jan. 24

3-9 p.m. –  sponsored ice carvings – State House Lawn 

Saturday, Jan. 25

11 a.m. – Ice carving competition starts on the State House Lawn.

■Food trucks on Capitol Street, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

3 p.m. – Ice carving competition ends

3:30 p.m. – Awards announcement

4 p.m. – Festival ends

Hot cocoa tour:

A bunch of local businesses are taking part in a hot cocoa tour, new this year. It will run between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. There’s a limit of 75 mugs, so early registration is encouraged. Mugs and passports can be picked up at the s’mores station at City Plaza during the event time. A $35 ticket includes: 

■A limited-edition reusable coffee mug with the Winter Fest logo

■Up to four 8 oz hot chocolates from participating business, including Revelstoke Coffee, Brothers’ Cortado, Teatotaller, Gison’s Cafe, and The Bean & Bakery

■A “cocoa passport” to collect stamps at each stop and write down thoughts on each cup. Once four stamps are collected, participants can submit their passports for entry into a raffle.

Registration is on InTown’s website, or the day of the event.