Weekend cold won’t stop Capital Region winter fun

Events across the Capital Region are taking stock of how to handle the cold this weekend. Some are saying the show must go on.

Ballston Spa is betting chocolate will coax people out of a cold coma, melt a winter freeze in business and warm hearts as Valentine’s Day approaches.

Twenty-four local shops and restaurants are opening their doors for dollar samples. The radius of businesses is less than a mile, said Dana Womer, executive administrator for the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association.

Womer says they moved the start time to 4 p.m., before the real chill sets in. The event runs until 8 p.m.

The event’s annual February date means it’s happened in even colder temperatures and a snowstorm.

Meantime, excitement is also building for athletes competing in the cold this weekend at the Empire State Winter Games, in and around Lake Placid.

The Winter Games torch passed through Highmark Blue Shield in Latham on Wednesday. It was carried by Athlete of the Year Max Fey.

About 2,000 amateur athletes of all ages and abilities will compete in skiing, figure skating, hockey and many other winter events.

MORE: Ballston Chocolate Fest | Empire State Winter Games