\n Who can object to winter when it’s celebrated with magnif icent ice carvings\, a chili contest\, and a decorated tractor parade? Thr ow in some Mardi Gras-style beads\, face painting\, and street performers\ , and you’ll never hate winter again!
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\n\n The town of Chester celebrates its 23rd Annual Winter Carnivale on Su nday\, Feb. 17\, beginning at 10 a.m. The event\, which takes place in the center of town in snow\, rain\, or shine\, is free\, with the exception o f the Chili Cook Off.
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\n\n The Ice Carving Comp etition\, with professional and student carvers\, will be held fr om 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.\, with judging shortly after. Spectators may vo te for their favorite sculpture to win the 'People's Choice Award.'
\n< p>\n \n\n The 'Chilly Chili Cook Off' will be hel d at the Chester Hose Company Fire House\, 6 High Street\, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Attendees can pay their $5 donation at the firehouse door\, which allows them to taste all the different chilis made by restaurants an d chefs and to vote for their favorite. All proceeds go to the Chester Hos e Company.
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\n\n And last but not least\, festively deco rated tractors will parade up and down Main Street beginning at 2:00 p.m. in the highly anticipated Chester Tractor Parade. Judges choose the winners of their Iron Steed Awards for the best decorated tract ors.
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\n\n Restaurants\, shops and galleries will have s pecial events all day. The Chester Museum at The Mill will also be open fr om 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.\, offering another place to warm up and take a break while seeing Chester history\, including two early ice cutting machines.\n
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\n\n Parking is available in the commuter lot at exit 6 with a courtesy shuttle bus to the town center.
\n\n\nPhone: 860-526-12 00\n\nMain and Spring Streets\nChester\, CT\n06412\n\n DTSTART:20130217T100000 DTEND:20130217T160000 LOCATION:Chester Center PRIORITY: SUMMARY:Chester Winter Carnivale URL:http://www.visitchesterct.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR