WinterFest is around the corner

Bend WinterFest is coming up next month, February 18th through 20th, taking place down in the Old Mill District. In addition to the live music, ice carving, Rail Jam, food and wine, and so on, they’ve added a new element this year that sounds interesting: “WinterFringe.”

The “Fringe” in this case refers both to being on the fringe of the Fest, and the “alt” element they’re promoting—in this case, meaning street performers. From their press release:

WinterFringe is based on the growing popularity of fringe festivals, which feature street performances ranging from dancing to comedy to poetry. According to the United States Association of Fringe Festivals (yes, even the fringe has an association), fringe festivals:

  • Focus on the performing arts: including theater, dance, puppetry and spoken word.
  • Uncensored: No one gets too fussy about swears or nudity but squeaky-clean content isn’t marginal or discouraged, either.
  • Original: Fringes feature a huge array of original material—sometimes by design, but usually because that’s what Fringes naturally do well.
  • Rapid-fire: Typically, tech is minimal and time is a factor at fringe festivals. Shows are often kept brief (Fringes most frequently have shows right around 60 minutes in length) and technical requirements kept simple (minor sets, streamlined cues, nothing elaborate).

WinterFringe is anchored by fire-dancing troupe FireFlyte on the street (which is free to attend) and Mosley Wotta in the “Part Deux” portion at the Century Center (which requires a WinterFest button to be purchased for entry).

Those buttons can be purchased on bendticket.com, and cost $6 in advance, $7 at the gate, $20 for a family 4-pack in advance, and $24 at the gate. (Children under 5 are free.)

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