Winterfest comes to life through the incredible dedication of our volunteers! Your time and effort make this event—and many others throughout the year—truly unforgettable. Join us in creating lasting memories and bringing our community together by volunteering today!

Winterfest comes to life through the creativity and enthusiasm of our community partners! Your engaging displays and demonstrations, hands-on activities or workshops make this event truly special for our community. By sharing your time and talents, you help create lasting memories and inspire visitors of all ages.

Join us in making Winterfest an unforgettable celebration of the season:

Engagement Station: Interactive stations can offer activities, games, or hands-on experiences for attendees, creating meaningful connections and opportunities to share expertise.

Demonstration: Demonstrations of skills, crafts, or techniques can inspire and educate attendees in a dynamic and memorable way.: Demonstrations of skills, crafts, or techniques can inspire and educate attendees in a dynamic and memorable way.

Entertainment: Live entertainment, such as music, storytelling, or performances, can add energy and excitement to the event atmosphere.

Host a Workshop or Class: Workshops or interactive classes create opportunities for attendees to engage deeply with topics or skills in an interactive setting.

Exhibit: Exhibits focused on art, nature, or conservation can enrich the event by promoting awareness, education, and appreciation for the natural world.

Outreach: Engaging in outreach allows organizations and groups to connect with attendees, share their mission, and foster meaningful community relationships.

Our goal is to make this event as accessible to every partipant as possible. Your participation in on a volunteer basis. If you will require registration or a fee, please provide those details when you sign up and a member of our team will connect with you.

Have you admired the enchanting willow tunnel at Viles Arboretum and thought, I’d love to create something like that? Now’s your chance! Join us for one—or both—of our willow weaving sessions, where you’ll help weave last year’s growth back into the tunnel. It’s a hands-on way to learn the art of creating and maintaining a willow tunnel while supporting the Arboretum in preserving this unique feature.

What to Expect

This activity involves a variety of physical tasks, including:

• Being outside, in the cold, for extended periods
• Standing for extended periods
• Climbing on a ladder to reach higher sections of the tunnel
• Using pruners to cut branches, on a ladder and at ground level
• Weaving long branches into the structure, holding them, and tying them with rubber ties
• Reaching above the head

If you have any questions about accessibility, feel free to reach out! We're happy to provide more details and work with you to make this event as accessible as possible.

How to be prepared:

• Experience: No prior experience with willow weaving is required - all skill levels are welcome! This project is suitable for ages 12 and up, when accompanied by an adult.
• Tools: Bring pruners and stepladders if you have them (a limited number will be available to borrow).
• Clothing: Dress for outdoor work, wear sturdy footwear, and gloves.
• Location: We'll meet at the Willow Tunnel, located just behind the barn.
• Weather: This project takes place outdoors, so dress accordingly. In the event of rain or snow, we will reschedule to the next day.