If you're in Apple Valley and got a case of the winter blues, the town's traditional Mid-Winter Fest might just be the cure. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 3rd, because from 3 to 7:30 p.m., Johnny Cake Ridge Park West is where you'll want to be. And here's the kicker – it's completely free to soak in the festivities.

This longstanding event, dating back to 1978, is the heart of wintertime community bonding, where the young, the old, and everyone in between can find something to warm their spirits. Food, fun, you name it, it's all going down at 14255 Johnny Cake Ridge Road – remember to bundle up, because this party is open-air. According to the City of Apple Valley's official website, the 2024 celebration is set to be weather-dependent.

Between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in Brick Oven Pizza, a gourmet culinary experience, courtesy of a food truck. Additionally, they can savor the flavors of Go BBQ, which will also be conveniently available via a mobile food service. For those 21 and up, Rascal’s Bar & Grill will be dishing out beer and wine while the Rotary Club of Apple Valley serves up hot chocolate and cider to keep your insides toasty. If things get too chilly, you can seek refuge on the MVTA warming bus, by a heated fire pit, or inside the Johnny Cake Activity Center.

Now, for those with a competitive streak, the Medallion Hunt should tickle your fancy. There's a medallion hidden somewhere in Apple Valley's parks, and clues pop up every hour on the Apple Valley Parks & Recreation Facebook page from 9 a.m. onward. First to find it, and register before the 9 a.m. deadline on the day of, takes home a cool $250. Once the hunt is over, the victor will be announced in all their glory on stage, just before the concert kicks off. You can sign up here.

For parking, spots are available at the Apple Valley Family Aquatic Center Parking Lot, the Upper Parking Lot along Johnny Cake Ridge Park-West, and nearby Parking Lots in Johnny Cake Ridge Park-East.