Waking up to snow on the ground and flurries in the air has gotten many gearing up for the Holidays along with thoughts of a long stretch of winter accompanied by snow shoveling, functional footwear, and snowboarding or skiing for those of us looking for outdoor exercise or a diversion from the less than ideal temperatures.
For the 5th consecutive year, Winter WonderLARK will welcome the winter season with activities and events designed to get everyone in the Holiday Spirit and also give visitors an opportunity to do their Holiday Shopping while also supporting small local businesses. Shoppers can find gifts and other items such as jewelry and ornaments at Elissa Halloran Designs, video games and game systems for the kids at Pastime Legends, home decor and candles at Romeo’s, skateboards, skate gear, and clothing at Seasons Skate Shop, or some adult friendly libations at Capital Wine & Spirits. In addition to the merchants offerings, there will be art & craft vendors along Lark Street at the Outdoor Winter Market from noon to 5.
The highlight of Winter WonderLARK is undoubtedly the popular and ever-growing Santa Speedo Sprint, now in its sixth year. More than 200 participants gear up in speedos, bikinis, pajamas, elf costumes, and other creative outfits (one young lady came decked out as the “major award” lamp from A Christmas Story in 2010). The sprint, which typically goes from Madison Ave to State St and back is a fundraiser sponsored by ASAP to benefit the Albany Damien Center. Registration is noon at Lionheart and Oh Bar and the race starts at 2pm. 
An ice sculpting competition sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey will be held on Lark near Madison Avenue starting at 11:30am and ending just prior to the Sprint at 2. Participants will be designing their ice sculpture around the logos of the Lark Street BID, the Santa Speedo Sprint, and Jameson.
Activities planned for a day of fun and festivities for the whole family on Lark Street include:
12-5pm
- Outdoor Winter Market
- Oaxaca Mexican Pottery Smashing at 245 Lark
- Gingerbread Fun Shop at the UAG, 247 Lark
- O’ Royal Tannenbaum Tree Trimming Contest & Voting
- Chefs Consortium Cooking Demonstrations & Food Sampling at 245 Lark
11:30am-2pm
- Ice Sculpting Sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Madison & Lark
2pm
- 6th Annual Santa Speedo Sprint
