The LECOM Events Center in Elmira hosted its second annual Winter Carnival today, offering a range of activities, including the Giant Slide, Bounce House, and skating rink, and more.

Organizers said this year saw a significant increase in turnout, with around 100 more kids participating compared to last year's event.

Many families, like that of West Elmira resident Rob Wicelinski, attended to enjoy some quality time with their kids.

"It's cold out. There's not anything else for the kids," Wicelinski said, "There was an event here, so we were able to come out. The kids can run around. They can go on the ice, and they can play on the bounce houses and just have some fun during the cold weather."

Laura Speckhart and her family, traveled from Gaines, Pennsylvania, specifically, to enjoy the ice skating. She said that the event offered a change from the usual events they attend.

"It's an inexpensive price and there's a lot of different activities," Speckhart said, "so it's a little bit better than we get normally."

Both Wicelinski and Speckhart said that events like these are important for the community.

"It just gets the community out into the public and it really brings the family together," said Speckhart.

Wicelinski said, "The more events that people attend, the more events that people have. So it's more for the kids to do. If there's a poor showing then there's no reason to have another event. So the more people that show up, the more likely we are to have more events."