Apple Valley's Mid-Winter Fest Returns for a Day of Family Fun this Saturday!
APPLE VALLEY, MINNESOTA - The highly anticipated Mid-Winter Fest returns to Johnny Cake Ridge Park West this coming Saturday, February 1, 2025, promising a full day of exciting activities for residents and visitors of all ages. Established in 1978, this cherished tradition continues to bring the community together for a celebration of winter fun.
The festival kicks off at 9 a.m. with the annual Medallion Hunt, where participants search for a hidden medallion in one of Apple Valley’s 53 parks. Clues will be posted hourly on the Apple Valley Parks & Recreation Facebook page until the medallion is found. A $250 prize awaits the lucky winner, but registration is required to claim the reward. Register for the Medallion Hunt here.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., young hockey players will hit the ice for the Hockey Jamboree, a Mite-level tournament hosted by the Eastview Hockey Association and Firehawks Hockey.
The afternoon and evening will feature an exciting mix of activities for all ages. Kids can dance to great tunes, participate in contests, and win prizes at the Kids Dance DJ session from 3 to 4:45 p.m. Meanwhile, the Garden Cart Train Rides, pulled by the Apple Valley Police Department’s UTV, will run from 3 to 5 p.m.
Beloved mascots Klondike, McGruff, and Sparky will make appearances from 3 to 5 p.m., while families can experience the thrill of Frozen Kite Flying from 3 to 6 p.m. Other fun-filled activities include a Coloring Contest, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, Bag Toss, and 3-Hole Disc Golf, Recycling Bin Racing, Ice Bowling, and Ice Skating, all occurring between 3 and 7 p.m. Sledding will also be available from 5 to 7 p.m. The Apple Valley Police and Fire Departments will be present from 3 to 7 p.m., offering a chance for attendees to meet local first responders, ask safety questions, and snap some memorable photos.
The evening will be capped off with live music from The Whiskies, an acoustic-fronted band playing top hits from the 80s, 90s, and today’s country scene. The concert, sponsored by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. You can check out their website here: The Whiskies Website.
Finally, the festival will conclude with a spectacular Fireworks Show at 7 p.m., lighting up the winter sky in a dazzling display.
Delicious Food and Warm Treats
Food and beverage options will be plentiful throughout the event. Attendees can purchase S’mores Kits from 3 to 6 p.m. to roast over fire pits, or grab a meal from a variety of Food Trucks between 3 and 7 p.m. Adults can enjoy a selection of beer and wine from Rascal’s Bar & Grill, while those seeking a warm drink can stop by the Activity Center for hot chocolate, cider, and bottled water, provided by the Rotary Club of Apple Valley.
For those needing a break from the cold, a Warming Bus, courtesy of Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, will be available from 3 to 6 p.m., along with six fire pits spread throughout the park to keep attendees cozy.
For more information or to register for the Medallion Hunt, visit the Apple Valley Parks & Recreation Facebook page or contact Bill Bird at bill.bird@applevalleymn.gov or (952) 953-2312.
Mid-Winter Fest is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including the Apple Valley Arts Foundation, Rotary Club of Apple Valley, and Apple Valley Hockey Association, as well as partners like Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Card My Yard, and Cub Scout Pack 227.
You can see the full schedule and events for Mid-Winter Fest below!
Provided by the Apple Valley Parks & Recreation.
