FINDLEY LAKE — On Feb. 20, the second annual Winterfest Christmas Tree Burning was held at Alexander’s Restaurant and the shore of the lake. The event is organized and promoted by Findley Lake Landscape and Supply, which actually sold most of the trees being burned.

Alexander’s Restaurant co-sponsors the event, and this year, in response to COVID regulations, set up an outdoor tent and seating area, complete with a fire pit and a patio heater.

Despite temperatures in the teens and deep snow, dozens of people turned out for the event. While some occupied the seating in the restaurant, most braved the chill and enjoyed being outdoors.

Scott Porter, co-owner of Findley Lake Landscape and Supply, said he believes an event like this is necessary, especially in the midst of the pandemic.

“We need to do events like this — make it happen and get people out,” he said. “There’s a good turnout, everybody’s outside, they’re eating and drinking and having a good time.”

However, Porter said, he believes there is a reason for having the event that is even more important than getting people out.

“The best thing about it is that it is bringing people to the town,” Porter said. “It’s little things like this that help out the community.”

Debbie Nedreski of Findley Lake agreed.

“So many things were canceled, one after another, over the past year,” she said. “Kid’s Day in June, the usual holiday celebrations, the library’s soup luncheon, the Harvest Fest, Christmas through the Village – these are all important events for Findley Lake that we couldn’t have. It’s great to finally see an event come to fruition.”

Alexander’s Restaurant did what they could to heighten the festivities. Patrons could order quick food items in the tent outside, such as Italian wraps and Cuban deep fried items, said Tyler Hess, co-owner of Alexander’s. They also offered drinks associated with the tree burning, such as Fireballs, Catching Fire and a Tangaray and Tonic which, “people thing tastes like a Christmas tree,” he said.

Because of the cold and the need for social distancing, Alexander’s tried to expedite filling orders.

“We set things up so we can take care of everybody as quickly as possible,” Hess said. “We are massively overstaffed so things can go smoothly.”

The fire was ignited at 5 p.m. and was worth the wait. Porter said there were a total of 30 trees, 18 from the landscape business and 12 from local residents.

Those who enjoyed the spectacle were from all around.

“Our friends got us to come today,” said Corry resident Jim Harvey. “We have a summer cottage here, but we don’t get here much in the winter. There’s nothing like a good fire on a cold winter night, though.”

Denise Crady of Findley Lake said she was pleased that the event could take place.

“It’s nice to be able to finally have something happen and it’s nice that we can all be outside,” she said.

Matt Fussner and his wife brought their two-year old daughter and the child of a neighbor with them.

“It’s good to get out of the house and to do something fun, even on a cold day,” he said.

As the flames grew and the smoke plumed upward, people applauded the sight of the trees burning brightly on the ice of the lake.