Everything kicks off on January 30th with the 8th annual Winterfest in Harbor Park and the Amphitheatre. The centerpiece of Winterfest activity remains the Community Ice Carving, where teams transform ordinary blocks of ice into sculptures using traditional ice-carving tools.

Also on the 30th, the Rockport Opera House plays host to the "Snow Ball"- a fun dance and social. Doors open at 6:30pm and the Awesome 80s Band will take the stage at 7:30pm. Tickets are $35.

If you enjoy cross-country skiing, Aldermere Farm (home of the famous 'oreo cookie' cows) on Russell Avenue in Rockport has a full moon ski & snowshoe tour on January 30th at 6;30pm.

If cultural and artistic events are more your speed, on Sunday, January 31 the Camden Opera House presents the International Film Festival of the Spirit's Warm Winter Sunday Afternoons at the Movies at 2pm; while the Camden Public Library hosts local high school musical all-stars The Cause on Thursday, February 4th at 7pm. Also, the a cappella group Improvox performs at 7:30pm on Sunday, January 31st at the Carver Hill Gallery Cider Barn in Rockport. For more info (& weather-related cancellations) call Jana at Carver Hill Gallery: 236-0745.