WinterFest Smoky Style 2016 is a celebration of the winter season in Maggie Valley, NC, sponsored by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. The event is the idea of Maggie’s former mayor, Ron DeSimone, a visionary who understood the potential of the winter season to our tourism dependent economy. WinterFest Smoky Style 2016 was held February 26-28 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

I will share a number of photographs tomorrow of mushing dogs, but today’s post will be about the non-mushing events. The most popular event outside of mushing is the Law Enforcement K-9 demonstrations put on by a number of agencies. Sgt. Brandon Gilmore of the Waynesville Police Department organizes the presentations.

The International Weight Pull Association had a sanctioned event. In addition, they had a novice pull where they taught owners how to safely engage your dog in this activity.

And, finally, just some random images from the festival.