The Lincoln Winter Carnival, an annual event sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Committee, starts on January 29 and features a pancake breakfast, a snow sculpture contest, poetry, bingo, and lots of other events for both adults and kids.
The carnival is designed to foster a sense of community throughout the town of Lincoln, and all events are sponsored by Lincoln-based organizations. Please check individual event details for age limits, admission fees, pre-registration information, etc.
Weeklong events
Snow sculpture contest
Design and build a winter sculpture in your own front yard. Call to register with the Parks and Recreation office at 781-259-0784 by 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. Judging will take place on Sunday morning with awards to the best in show and superlative awards to all, so get creative!
Winter fun at Drumlin Farm
See animals in their winter homes, look for wildlife tracks, or make some tracks of your own on our trails. Drop-in naturalist programs take place on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Free admission for Lincoln residents. Call 781-259-2200 for more information.
Thursday, January 29
Slide show on Lincoln’s aluminum house
7-9 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Did you know that Lincoln is home to one of the rare Alcoa aluminum houses that were built in 1957 to showcase aluminum building materials? Katherine Mierzwa of Friends of Modern Architecture/Lincoln will give a fast-paced, illustrated photo tour of this significant house, the history of aluminum in 20th-century architecture, and an update on how this house has recently been renovated.
Friday, January 30
“A Really Big Show”
1 p.m., Bemis Hall
Come see your friends and neighbors at the Council on Aging’s free “Really Big Show”—a variety show featuring classical, jazz and folk music, a dramatic performance, a comedy video, and demonstrations from the COA’s fitness, line dancing, tai chi and yoga classes. The show will be fun, entertaining, thought-provoking and enlightening. Don’t miss seeing Lincoln’s talent!
Gropius House tours
3-7 p.m., Gropius House (68 Baker Bridge Rd.)
Walter Gropius, founder of the German design school known as the Bauhaus, was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. His Lincoln home built in 1938 showcases the clean, contemporary lines of Modernist design. During this evening house tour, see how Gropius’s innovative lighting scheme comes to life at night.
Poetry Out Loud
7-9:30 p.m., Bemis Hall
Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide poetry recitation contest that encourages the nation’s youth to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation, helping them build public speaking skills and learn about their literary heritage. About 15 of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School’s poetry top reciters will compete for a chance to go to the state semifinals and finals. There will also be guest performances by local talent and refreshments for sale. The event is free and open to the public.
PTO community bingo night
5-7:30 p.m., Brooks gym
Back by popular demand—pizza, raffle drawings and plenty of bingo play. This year, in addition to more prizes for bingo, there will be more raffle prizes. Open to the entire community—all ages welcome. Pizza dinners sold from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Free admission; pay $5 for a 19-game multipack of bingo cards. Proceeds benefit the Lincoln Parent Teacher Organization.
Saturday, January 31
Girl Scout pancake breakfast
8-11 a.m., Stone Church
Again this year, the Lincoln Girl Scouts will be hosting a pancake breakfast with e a variety of pancakes, fruit, juice, coffee and tea along with face painting and a Girl Scout cookie sale. $5 for children under 12, $10 for everyone else ($30 family maximum).
Matias the Magician and carnival games
10 a.m. to noon, Hartwell pod B
Join the Magic Garden Children’s Center and LEAP (the Lincoln Extended-day Activities Program) for carnival games and seasonal arts and crafts activities. Tours of the Magic Garden and LEAP facilities are available by request. Matias the Magician (voted the best magic show in New York) begins his performance at 11 a.m. sharp. Admission is free.
Community skating and bonfire
1-3 p.m., Cemetery Pond
Enjoy skating, hot chocolate, and toasted marshmallows by the campfire. Bring your own skates. Weather permitting; event status will be confirmed on the Park and Rec website by noon.
LFA Energy Blaster
3-5 p.m., Brooks gym
Join your friends and their parents and burn some energy! Joust on platforms, jump in a bounce house and try your skill at a variety of indoor games. Enjoy healthy snacks and coffee. Fun for all ages! Free for Lincoln Family Association 2014 members, $10 per child for non-members. A new LFA membership (or renewal) on the spot includes admission, or register for membership on the LFA website.
Acoustic Coffeehouse: ’80s night
7-10 p.m., Bemis Hall
Our adult night of music and fun, this year with an ’80s flair. Coffee and desserts will be served while local talent performs for your enjoyment. Reservations can be made online at www.LincolnRec.com (click the blue “register now” button). General admission is $10, or reserve a table for up to eight people for $160. Any remaining seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis when the doors open at 7 p.m. Interested performers should download an application here. Sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Sunday, February 1
Children’s musician Philip Alexander
2-3 p.m., Lincoln Public Library
Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and popular local entertainer Philip Alexander will perform “Tales of Wonder—A Musical Storytelling Show.” Philip performs whimsical original and folkloric stories with humor, flair and soundscapes to spark the imagination. Plenty of opportunities for audiences to join in and become part of the story and musical performance. Recommended for ages 3-10.
Life in Lincoln during World War II
2-4 p.m., Bemis Hall
What was life like on the World War II home front? How fast did Lincoln mobilize? How did it respond to all the major war challenges such as rationing, training for evacuation, and sustaining morale? Hear reminiscences of wartime Lincoln elementary school students, share your own personal recollections whether or not you grew up in Lincoln, and capture the spirit of the times. “Victory cake” and other popular foods from the period will be served. Sponsored by the Lincoln Historical Society. All ages welcome.