Brite Winter Fest 2015

Did your pipes burst? Did your car’s battery die? Did your door freeze shut? Did you have to go to work while the neighborhood kids got to skip school? This week has been a challenging one to say the least, and many people are cursing Old Man Winter. But winter isn’t going away any time soon, so instead of grumping about it in our boots, we might as well embrace the old dude. “How can I will myself to enjoy this wintry weather?” you ask. Well this weekend, the answer is Brite Winter Fest. You can check out a video of last year’s Brite Winter below.

Brite Winter began 6 years ago with a group of about 800 people listening to music and building snow forts in an urban park. Though that sounds awesome in itself, the festival has grown each year through support of local businesses and artists. The cool thing about Brite Winter is that every year they remain focused on what the festival is truly about, as their site states:

   “We are about winter. Not avoiding it    or running from it, but running to it, bundled arms open wide. We are about having fun in the middle of a season that is generally avoided. We are about celebrating the fantastic art, music, and general awesomeness of our city.  We work hard to do all of this on a budget, so we can keep it free for all of you. As we grow and develop, these parts of our history won’t change.”

I love how positive their statement is, and anticipate good vibes to carry through the festival. As you would expect, there will be live music and art, but this year the entertainment has been taken to the next level. The music budget has increased 50% from last year and includes larger acts as headliners, more of a variety in music genres, and about 60 bands on 9 stages. You can sneak a listen to my favorite Brite Winter act here:

agelessmales.bandcamp.com

The music begins at 4:00 p.m. with the last band set to play at 1:00 a.m. There will also be 23 great art installations to check out which include walls of light, illuminated flowers, photo booths and so much more.

To avoid getting lost amid the crowds of people, loud music, and colorful lights, I’m starting my outfit with a yellow hat. It’s always good (especially for one who drinks and is easily distracted like myself ) to think of a way to stand out in a noisy crowd. The event is mostly outside and will last about 9 hours, so warmth is the main priority. Of course you want look as cute as possible, but let’s be real: If you don’t look like a stuffed sausage, you probably won’t be warm or happy. The temperature is predicted to be in the 20’s, so I’m wearing fleece-lined leggings under my pants, three shirts, a coat and a monster scarf. Be sure to wear gloves, and if possible, avoid carrying a purse. Note: you’ll be in a large crowd bumping against people and won’t be able to feel through your layers of clothes if someone is up to no good. Use those pockets. Boots are suggested (I’m not talking about your cute treadless hipster boots here). It’s best to bust out your Timbs lined with a couple pairs of socks. If you’re smart, you’ll dress and look like you’re going sledding, which is exactly what it’s about. This is Brite Winter Fest after all!

Parking might get a bit hairy since Ohio City can fill up on any normal weekend, so I suggest you Uber it or take the RTA to the festival (especially if you plan to arrive a little later in the night). Although the event is free, you should definitely hit up the ATM before heading down. Cash will come in handy for outdoor beer vendors and your choice of food trucks. Dress warm, come prepped for fun, and keep an eye out for my little yellow hat!

Check out the website at: britewinter.com