From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the grounds will be alive with demonstrations from sled dogs, law enforcement K-9 dogs, the Haywood Community College Timbersports Team, the International Weight Pull Association and live music from a rotating cast of homegrown acts.

Gates open at 10 a.m., with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. by Cherokee Beloved Man Jerry Wolfe and ROTC groups from Pisgah and Tuscola high schools. The event will conclude with a bonfire before it ends at 6 p.m. 

The Saturday festival will be the most visible portion of the WinterFest celebration, but not the only one. 

• The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville will have a special showing of “The Great Alone” — a documentary telling the inspiring comeback story of champion sled dog racer Lance Mack on the Alaska tundra — at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 27.

• A hearty breakfast with the sled dog mushers — and a chance to hang out with the dogs afterward — will be held 8 to 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at Cataloochee Ranch outside Maggie Valley. 

• The long-standing Wild Game Dinner hosted by the student Wildlife Club at Haywood Community College coincides with WinterFest weekend and is being tied in as a related event as well. Held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at the Haywood County Fair Grounds.

Organized by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. www.winterfestsmokystyle.com.