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News Specialist Shelley Osterloh reportingUtah communities have teamed up to create a winter festival to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Olympics.
The 11-day event, beginning January 30, includes some international competition, volunteer reunions and concerts, fireworks displays and lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.
There are events planned in Salt Lake, Park City, Ogden, Provo, Hunstville and several ski resorts and Olympic venues.
They're designed to celebrate the success of the Games, honor those who made them happen and create an annual event that will carry on the joy and legacy of the Olympics.
Whether it was the concerts, the parties or the sport, the Utah Winterfest will help us all relive some of those favorite Olympic memories.
"The Olympic Games were indeed the greatest success that they have had. And in that, the messages of peace went around the world," says state Olympic officer Lane Beattie.
Expect some appearances from the Children of Light, lots of volunteer appreciation and reunions, and events to get you out in Utah's wonderful winter environment.
It kicks off with the World Championship Freestyle Skiing competition at Deer Valley -- with most of the same competitors that wowed the crowds at the Olympics.
That same weekend, Park City holds a street party and concert.
And Midway holds its Winterfest with cross country skiing, moonlight snowshoeing and tubing drag races.
On February 6, Provo celebrates with an exhibition hockey game between USA and Canada.
Ogden holds its spirit of the West Festival with a mountain man rendezvous and concert. In West Valley there are Olympic activities at the Grizzlies games.
And another international sporting event that is sure to bring back some Olympic memories: Apolo Ohno returns to Salt Lake for short track World Cup on the 7th.
The Gallivan Center will feature appearances from the children of Light and local entertainers. Winterfest culminates with a re-lighting of the 72-foot Olympic Cauldron at the University of Utah. And this time, volunteers will march into the stadium for a program and fireworks display.
Organizers hope this is the beginning of an annual celebration that will keep that Olympic feeling for years to come.
