Snowfest set for Feb. 19 at Universal City Park
With the recent icy rain and freezing temperatures fresh on everyone’s mind, Universal City is throwing a party to celebrate the adventuresome side of cold and precipitation.
Being advertised as “Celebrating winter in chilly style,” Universal City’s annual Snowfest and Carnival returns Saturday, Feb. 19, to Universal City Park, promising a winter wonderland of fun and excitement for attendees.
After the cancellation of the 2021 Snowfest, the city is fielding a buzz from residents anxious to frolic in the fluffy white stuff.
The event features snow slides, a skate rink and snow yard, as well as 13 carnival rides, several inflatables, a petting zoo and the “hamster ball,” all accessible with the price of admission. Tickets are $7 for adults 18 and over, $13 for children 3-17, and free for toddlers 2 and under for Snowfest, which runs 3-9 p.m. at the park, 305 North Blvd.
With extremely limited parking, people are urged to take advantage of two designated parking lots — First Baptist Church of Universal City, 1401 Pat Booker Road; and Randolph Plaza, 940 Pat Booker Road — and ride free shuttles to and from the event. Busses will run every 20 minutes to and fro, eliminating traffic congestion at the park and long-distance walks through the neighborhood, especially after nightfall.
The first Universal City Snowfest in 2010 featured one snow slide and a balloon artist. This year’s carnival will cover three baseball fields and the park pavilion.
And what’s a carnival without food? A dozen or more booths and food trucks will be selling every carnival-like food imaginable: hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, pizza, roasted corn, turkey legs and, of course, a carnival favorite, the funnel cake.
Entertainment is scheduled to take a stage for those who want to sit down, need to take a break, or came to be entertained.
Randy Luensmann, U.C. public works director, said the COVID-19 outbreak wiped out the 2021 event, the first-ever cancellation of Snowfest. He said harsh weather may have scrubbed it last year anyway, as the event was slated just as winter storm Uri began unleashing its February Freeze fury on Texas.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Commission and Parks Partners were instrumental in getting Snowfest off the ground. Contributing sponsors include Walmart, Waste Management, AAFCU, AireSmith Inc., Meritage Homes, HMT Engineering and Surveying, Patriot Martial Arts, Mireles Party Ice, Kung Jung Mu Sul, Daniels and Daniels Real Estate, HDR Engineering, Cricket Wireless, Mr. Gatti’s, and 6S Engineering.
Volunteers are still being lined up. To be a part of the Snowfest work crew, contact Kimberly in public works, at 210-685-5364 or visit the city’s website, click on Activities, and Snowfest. A link can be found for potential volunteers to use.