Snowy backdrop greets crowds at Haddonfield Winterfest, Souper Bowl

HADDONFIELD, N.J. - Steady snowfall coated roads and lawns in Haddonfield on Saturday, creating slick conditions but also delivering a wintry backdrop for the town's annual Winterfest celebration and its signature Souper Bowl competition.

Salted streets helped melt the snow as residents and visitors ventured out, warming up with steaming cups of chili served by local restaurants participating in the fourth annual Souper Bowl Saturday. Thirteen restaurants competed both outdoors and indoors in the event, which benefits Cathedral Kitchen, a soup kitchen in Camden.

"I couldn't script it better with the snow, the ice sculptures downtown, and of course the Souper Bowl," Mayor Dave Siedell said.

Proceeds from the chili competition support Cathedral Kitchen while also raising awareness about its mission, according to the organization.

"Not only the funding from the event, but also just the awareness that it brings to the community here, telling people about what we do in Camden," said Noreen Flewelling of Cathedral Kitchen.

The Souper Bowl is one part of Haddonfield's Winterfest, an annual event celebrating the season with shopping, food and ice sculptures. This year, unlike last winter, cold temperatures worked in the event's favor.

"Last year, one of our ice sculptures collapsed because it was too warm so I'm not unhappy at all with the weather," Siedell said.

Despite the snow, crowds bundled up and filled King Street and Kings Court, where businesses showcased ice sculptures ranging from soda kegs to a winter wolf. Umbrellas dotted the sidewalks as shoppers moved between stores.

"I think if anything, it's enhancing it. I've seen a lot of umbrellas. I'm glad it's snow and not rain. A picture perfect weekend that matches the event," Siedell said.

Local businesses said Winterfest was designed to draw people downtown during a typically quiet time of year.

"We originally came up with the idea to drive traffic to the downtown on an otherwise sleepy January weekend," said Bob Hochgertel of Kings Road Brewing Company.

Hochgertel said the benefits extend beyond increased foot traffic.

"It brings the community together, but it's also for a good cause," he said.

Winterfest continues Sunday in Haddonfield, with additional snow in the forecast. Town officials said they welcome the weather and expect it to provide an appealing backdrop for live ice sculpture carvings.