Sun, snow, ice make for fun day at winter carnival
by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor
Rogers City?s winter carnival had many activities to brighten a winter day, and it proved to be fun for area residents of all ages. The city?s parks and recreation committee got the ball rolling in January. According to city manager Mark Slown, committee members ?wanted to create a new recreational activity in one of our great parks.? The carnival, which took place at Sports Park, better known as ?The Hole,? had a wide-variety of activities that were enjoyed by one an all, and the cold winter wind didn?t seem to keep people away.
THE CENTERPIECE was of course the large ice skating area, with arguably the best ice conditions of the season. Young people enjoyed skating around the enormous ice surface, as well as practicing their puck shooting ability. Near the softball backstop, the city?s department of public works set up a sledding hill. There were two runs leading to the ice, and the kids thoroughly enjoyed sliding down the hill, and once on the ice, continuing for several yards more. If that wasn?t the most popular activity, it certainly was the chicken bowling, which looked a lot e
It is estimated that around 400 people took part. Slown said 300 hot dogs, 80 pounds of French fries and 50 gallons of hot chocolate were consumed. VOTED IN a straw poll as being one of the most popular attractions was the Kiwanis Club?s state-of-the-art rolling food trailer filled with club members and volunteers eager to hand out the food. ?The Kiwanis and Optimist Clubs provided the funding for the food, so there were no tax dollars spent on that, that?s important to note,? said Slown. Other community groups involved were the Girl Scouts and the Rogers City High School Key Club.
Local historical re-enactors also were involved. Many who beat the winter blahs by attending wondered why someone hadn?t thought of this kind of event before and hope plans are put in place to have it in 2012.