WinterFest Preview

Dear Readers,

If you haven't noticed, it's wintertime in Bend, Oregon. The sun is shining, but it's still snowing, and over here at the Source, we couldn't be loving it more.

For the 14th year running, we'll be celebrating all things winter in the Old Mill District at the 2013 WinterFest, also known as the world's largest summit of Patagonia puffy coats.

This weekend-long party is put on by our very own event company, Lay It Out Events. That means we've got the inside scoop on one of the biggest cold-weather festivals in the entire Northwest and we're inviting you to join us for all the action because, frankly, you guys are the best. This year brings live music, a big air competition, an outdoor marketplace, food, drinks and cartloads of other fun. The Source's editorial staff will be spending the weekend in the warm, booze-filled comfort of the Bent Lounge, listening to great local bands and entertaining visitors. We'll also be dragging ourselves away from the bar to enjoy the awesome events listed below. Come visit us in the lounge, or meet us around the WinterFest campus for a weekend of pure winter awesomeness. Check the enclosed WinterFest guide for a full schedule of events, and read on for our very own recommendation on how to get the most out of the weekend.

Love,

The Source Staff

Avoid the clichéd version of Valentine's Day by dumping the dinner date for a rockin' concert with two formerly local bands, The Dirty Words and The Autonomics. We don't mean dump your date, we just mean you'll both have a lot better time at this show than you will staring lovingly into each other's eyes over dinner. The kickoff of the WinterFest-ivities, these two Portland bands are going to tear it up at The Old Stone, so don't miss it. Both bands have loyal fan bases in Bend so the venue is sure to fill up fast; get there early. 8 p.m. The Old Stone, 157 NW Franklin Ave.

Check out local riders going HUGE at the Big Air Show. These folks have been honing their skills all season on Bachelor and are now bringing their tricks and talents off the hill and into WinterFest's living room. Riders include Will Reuland, Will Burks, Devin Rey, Hunter Hess, Jake Mageau, Chris Redlich-Colgan, Ari DeLashmutt, Matt Guntert, Armand Oberoi, Ryan Linnert, Nick Forbes, Justin Norman, Jeff Blaylock, Justin Sampson, Will Dennis, Kenny Srofe, Ashley Donohue, Derek Roy, Hunter Hess, Alex Scagliotti, Joey Vander Meer and Conner Bennet. Friday is for skiers, Saturday is for snowboarders. Near WinterFest Main stage off Shevlin-Hixon Drive. 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The heat lamp-adorned Bent Lounge is the spot to kick up your heals this weekend with Deschutes Brewery beers and Bendistillery spirits flowing. From dance parties to Wii bowling, everything will be going down in the Bent Lounge. Friday will be the kickoff for the den of debauchery with locals JZ Band at 6 p.m. and DJ Harlow spinning records starting at 9 p.m. What's the best thing about the Bent Lounge? The Bent staff, of course! The Source's hard-working, good-looking team will be in attendance. Come see us, give us your story ideas, tell us how much you love or hate us, but please, no glitter-bombing. The fun starts at 5 p.m. 21+.

In past years, WinterFest has hosted snow and ice sculptors who have created amazing pieces of wintry art. The addition of fire sculptures to the mix will make for an exciting and defrosting addition to the unconventional art displays. These installations will keep you warm along the paths through The Old Mill district. Functional art? Hell yes. Snow Sculpting Exhibition, 5 p.m. Group Ice Carving, 6:30 p.m.

Are you nuts enough to take a dip? As of Monday morning, the Deschutes River sits at a frigid 43 degrees; we don't expect it to warm up before the weekend. It's going to be cold. Duh. But it's for a great cause, so MAN UP! Take the plunge with a slew of other ballsy philanthropists to support the Special Olympics. Riverbend Park, 11 a.m.

That's right, the Bent Lounge will be open all day Saturday with more local music and events. Don't leave us hanging! Come visit and get to know the Source staff while we rock out to Mark Ransom at 11:30 a.m., Mai and Dave at 1 p.m., Grit and Grissel at 2:30 p.m., Moon Mountain Ramblers at 4 p.m. and another round of DJ Harlow at 9 p.m.

Best of all (!) at 6 p.m. on Saturday evening we host the Bartender's Brawl, which pits your favorite local establishment's best drink mixers against each other in a competition to concoct the most delicious drink. 21+.

We love AC/DC and we love hot chicks, so by the transitive property, we love Hell's Belles. This all-female cover crew will be killing it on the WinterFest main stage Saturday night with openers Stairway Denied, a Led Zeppelin cover band. Get ready to rock. 7 p.m. WinterFest main stage.

The Metal Mulisha will put on impressive displays of snow-machine dexterity. These athletes have no fear, hurdling themselves off enormous jumps at intense speeds. Challenging gravity and all reasonable critical thinking, this is sure to be one of the most extreme sports you've seen up close and personal. South end of Shevlin-Hixon Drive. 11:30 a.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Race against Bend's best in this wintry competition. Twelve obstacles stand between you and victory, including sprints, inner-tubes and tires, a mud pit, rock climb, a barbedwire fence and LIVE FLAMES. Once you've completed the race, an after party will be held in the Bent Lounge with food and drinks for participants. Costumes strongly encouraged. Across from the Les Schwab Amphitheater. 12 p.m.

Check out these things all weekend long

Friday 5 p.m. to Sunday 6 p.m.

The Fine Food and Art Marketplace presented by Oregon Lottery

OMSI Kids Tent presented by Bend Research Group

Fire, Ice and Snow Sculptures presented by Carrera Motors

The Bent Lounge presented by the Source Weekly

Wine Tasting presented by Whole Foods Market