Usually we try to avoid going outside this time of year. Between the slippery walking surfaces, cold vehicles, colder temperatures and piles of snow, we tend to prefer a warmer climate – like indoors, under a blanket, watching lots of movies.
But sometimes, you’ve just got to layer up, grab a cup of hot chocolate and embrace all the season has to offer. Especially when we’re talking about a winter carnival.
For the last 20 years or so, the winter carnival has been on again, off again, and will once again be held at White Park on Saturday. And there’s been some changes this year to attract more people.
“We’re trying to revamp it this year and keep it going for another 20 years,” said event organizer Sarah Beauregard. “I used to go to the winter carnival when I was younger and it was a ton of fun.”
Last year, it was more of a skating and sledding get-together and while those activities will still be offered, there will be even more happening in the fun department.
The event, co-sponsored by the Friends of White Park and Concord Parks and Recreation, will run from noon to 4 p.m., but those looking to get a little exercise might want to show up a little earlier.
The Ugly Sweater 5K starts at 10:30 a.m. and is a fundraiser to help rebuild the Monkey Around Playground. The road race is the kickoff to the playground fundraising effort, one that the Friends of White Park need about $90,000 in the bank to complete – half of the total cost to be split with the city. The playground, the biggest in Concord, is more than two decades old and in need of some TLC.
“It’s at the end of its life and we need to rebuild it,” Beauregard said.
Cost is $30, and those interested can register at whiteparkuglysweater5k.weebly.com or the day of the race starting at 9 a.m. And just so you know any kind of ugly sweater will do. It can be Christmassy, winter related or one your grandmother got you for your birthday last year that’s never been worn.
The winter carnival officially kicks off at noon. That’s when you can start enjoying the heat billowing off the bonfire, which will be roaring all afternoon, and start building a snowman for the best snowman contest. We just advise not to do both activities in the same location, you know, because of melting. The winner of the snowman contest will be announced at 3:30 p.m.
Professionals are being brought in for face painting starting at 1 p.m., along with some amateur face painters from NHTI.
The sledding hill and skating pond will be open all day, but a few special ice related activities are planned. There will be a curling event (the Olympic sport) on the pond at 2 p.m. followed by skating races and a skating obstacle course. Music will be played around the pond area.
“My goal is to bring it back to an event people want to go to,” Beauregard said.
For the little kids, there will be bean bags in the shape of fish to be tossed into waiting penguin mouths and a snow ball toss contest. Unfortunately though, there won’t be real penguins on hand.
“There’s lots of activities for kids of all ages,” Beauregard said. (Adults will have fun, too.)
The winter carnival is free and open to the public, so the only thing that might force you to break out the ol’ wallet is food and drinks.
“It brings a lot of people to the park,” Beauregard said.
