BUFFALO, N.Y. — This is Festival Fest – the thing I do where I talk about things to do in WNY and this is actually the first full week, I think, where people are going to have to go back to work and school.
Fun's over, folks. Now we're in it.
Ugh. How about a hug? Bring it in. Yeah.
So it's January and then we have February, which is the shortest month but it feels like the longest. Then we have March followed by Second March, full blown winter, post-January, a week of Spring and then it's basically September.
You try to keep it positive, but at the same time this is a very overwhelming time. You have everybody telling you you have to eat better and sleep better, just do better and be better, take your Christmas tree down before March.
Then, they say you can do it in small pieces. I'm here in my sweatpants to tell you: don't worry about it.
For example, I'm trying to drink more water. I'm going to take my water bottle to work in my bag and it's going to sit in the bag all day, I'm going forget It's there and I'm not going to drink it and then I'm going to try again the next day until I dry up like a raisin.
The good news is there are plenty of maniacs across Western New York who do fun things in the winter time so you don't get bored. Case in point, we have the 19th annual Polar Bear Swim for charity happening in Silver Creek which bills itself as "just a quick dip in Lake Erie… in January!" But it is all for a good cause there are a bunch of organizations that benefit including Oshei Children's Hospital, Silver Creek Rescue Squad, Sunset Bay Fire Dept and the Silver Creek Food Pantry.
D'Youville is hosting something called "Escape to Pharmacy." It's a one-day winter camp for high school juniors and seniors where they can learn more about the pharmacy program as well as careers in the … pharmacy… arts. Plus, they're doing it as an escape room.
That sounds like something I made up but upon referring to my notes I can tell you it is actually true.
And I'm sure you've heard of Bridges of Madison County. There's a musical version version opening January 10 and running through February 2 at the Kavinoky Theater, which is celebrating its 40th season.
Finally, I know some of you have been very concerned about the lack of Meat Raffles and the good news is: They're back!
And that's Festival Fest: the greatest thing to happen to Monday since the three-day weekend. Have a great day and a great full week but don't worry. We're in this together and I'll see you next time.