COLD TEMPS TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FOR THIS YEAR’S EVENT
With recent overnight temperatures dipping into the teens and below, and snow arriving this weekend, one would assume conditions would be just right for the annual Winter Carnival. Unfortunately, above-average daytime temperatures and inconsistent levels at night have left the ice at the Bartlet Mall unsafe for a crowd, forcing organizers of the Winter Carnival to cancel this year’s event.
“It’s one thing to have a handful of skaters enjoying the Auburn Street end of the pond where the ice is thickest,” says Parks Coordinator Lisë Reid, “but to invite hundreds of people to congregate on a pond which shows signs of thin ice and stretches of open water would be irresponsible at best.” With temperatures predicted in the forties next week, planners feel they cannot rely on the ice getting any thicker in those dangerous spots.
“It’s disappointing, but there is always the chance of cancellation when weather plays such a key role in an event,” says Reid. Unfortunately, postponement is not an option this year due to scheduling conflicts for both organizers and sponsor participants.
But before they put their skates away for the season Reid advises skating enthusiasts keep an eye on the Bartlet Mall. “There’s still a lot of winter left and if temperatures get colder, there will be a lot of opportunity for some good skating in the months to come.”
