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Perfect together: cold weather and Winter Festival

Event will run from Jan. 21-25 and span the river towns of Lambertville and New Hope

By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
   The strangling economy has slowed ticket sales, but plenty of revelers still are planning to have some cold-weather fun during the Winter Festival that will run from Jan. 21-25 and span the river towns of Lambertville and New Hope.
   ”It hasn’t been the best year we’ve had, but we are doing better than last year at this time,” said Winter Festival Chairman Scott Magill.
   The festival is a mix of old and new events.
   The Chili Cook-off Jan. 25 at Memorable Affairs, Occasions, in Union Square in New Hope is a perennial favorite. Tickets still are available, but not many.
   ”We’re close on the chili,” Mr. Magill said.
   He advised interested chili lovers to check the festival’s Web site to make sure it isn’t sold out. The event is $45 per ticket, which includes a commemorative pint glass. There is also a $35 no-alcohol under-21 ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
   Also back this year is ice sculpting by master artists. Ice-carving demonstrations may be seen in New Hope at C’est La Vie French Bakery and Café, Ferry Street Landing Park, Havana Restaurant and Bar, the Visitor’s Center and Triumph Brewing Company on Jan. 25 at noon.
   In Lambertville, the sculptors may be seen at the Chimney Hill Estate Inn, Lambertville House and the Inn at Lambertville Station on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.
   Singer-songwriter John Sebastian will perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 at New Hope-Solebury High School’s Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater.
   Before going solo, Mr. Sebastian performed with the Lovin’ Spoonful, singing “Do You Believe in Magic” and “You Didn’t Have to Be so Nice.” His solo career includes the theme from “Welcome Back Kotter.”
   Tickets are $30 each in advance or $35 at the door. A $75 VIP ticket includes a pre-concert reception and priority seating.
   New this year is an evening of cabaret entertainment. Jazz and blues singer Carol Heffler will perform at Harlan’s at Nevermore at 7 p.m. Jan. 24. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a wine bar will start the evening, and a champagne toast will be provided by the Nevermore to kick off the new venue.
   The event is sponsored by the New Hope Borough Park and Recreation Board.
   ”This is going to be one of the really big hits of this year’s Winter Festival,” board Chairman Earl Bierman said.
   Ms. Heffler sings ballads, swing tunes and Latin jazz numbers. She has released two CDs, “Exactly” and “Pull the Moon.” She is a member of the Jazz Vocal Coalition and the International Association of Jazz Educators, who named her Best Female Jazz Vocalist of the Year.
   Tickets for the event are $75 and include the pre-show hors d’oeuvres and wine bar, champagne toast, the cabaret and post-theater desserts. To order tickets, phone Mr. Bierman at 267-994-0936.
   Proceeds from the festival primarily benefit the Parks and Recreation departments of New Hope and Lambertville. The festival also benefits local schools, rescue organizations, police and fire departments.
   To see a full schedule of all events, visit the festival’s Web site at www.winterfestival.net.