DREAMING OF A WHITE CARNIVAL
WINTER CARNIVAL PLANNERS KEEP AN EYE ON THE WEATHER
FOR JANUARY 28, 2012
With plans for the Newburyport Winter Carnival 2012 well under way, all that’s left is a contribution by Mother Nature of cold weather to freeze Frog Pond and enough snow to keep sliders happy throughout the day. Canceled once in its history, the weather-dependent event always keeps planners guessing until the last minute, but this year they are keeping their fingers crossed for a change in recent weather patterns. With the cooperation of the weather, the Newburyport Parks Commission and Newburyport Youth Services (NYS) will host the annual free Winter Carnival at the Bartlet Mall on January 28, 2012 from 11 a.m. a.m. to 3 p.m. The carnival promises a day of winter fun along with the Fourth Annual Human Dog Sled Race following a schedule of events similar to years past.
Organizers plan skating throughout the day with sledding and snowboarding, horse drawn hayrides provided by Scott Colby of Colby Farm. Outdoor gear retailer REI returns to offer snowshoe demonstrations and free rentals. The Newburyport Mothers’ Club will host outdoor activities for children at the Pond Street end of the mall, while NYS will again host children’s activities indoors at the former Kelley School.
The Kelley School Youth Center will provide restrooms and a place to warm up. Event goers will be able to purchase hot dogs, hot pretzels, popcorn, drinks and white chocolate dipped sweets made by members of the Middle School Drop-In Center. All proceeds will support the Youth Center as well as the NYS scholarship program. Children between the ages of two and five will find free entertainment by Knuckle Bones, a company that provides activities based around movement, tumbling, sports and more.
The Rotary Club of Newburyport has stepped up this year to staff the information tent near Pond Street directing event-goers to all outdoor events and to activities in the Kelley School building.
Free cookies and cocoa and the legendary sounds of WNBP complete a classic winter theme for skaters and sliders throughout the day.
Now in its fourth year, the Human Dog Sled Race features teams of one driver and up to four human “sled dogs” who race across the frozen Frog Pond. Teams will provide their own sled and rope for attaching the sled to the dog team. Costumes and sled décor are recommended but not required. Prizes will be awarded to winners of two categories: speed and sled design.
The event is made possible by donations from the Institution for Savings and the Newburyport Five Cent Savings Bank.
Please contact Lisë Reid at 978-465-4462, parks@cityofnewburyport.com with questions or to volunteer.
