Springfield Winter Carnival returns

Last winter’s return of the Springfield Winter Carnival was such a success, this year’s festival will be in February with even more events and fireworks.

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FILE Photo by Len Emery A large evening bonfire puts the finishing touch on activities at the Springfield Recreation Department’s Winter Carnival at Crown Point Country Club last year. Published January 12, 2016 in the Rutland Herald Springfield Winter Carnival returns By Susan Smallheer Staff Writer SPRINGFIELD — Last winter’s return of the Springfield Winter Carnival was such a success, this year’s festival will be in February with even more events and fireworks. Christian Craig, executive director of the Edgar May Health and Recreation Center, said Friday there are new activities planned for the carnival, which will be held Feb. 5 through 7 at Crown Point Country Club. Craig said Springfield Parks and Recreation Department, the Edgar May, and Crown Point are working jointly on the celebration. Last year’s snowy winter marked the return of the longtime tradition after a long hiatus. He said the first-time fireworks will be held Saturday night at the country club. The fireworks are being sponsored by Atlas Fireworks, as well as Kelley Sales and Service and Kelley Powersports. Also new this year will be a snowman or snowwoman contest, he said. People can build their snow sculptures at their homes or businesses, and call the recreation department, which will come and do the judging. “People can build a snow dinosaur if they like,” Craig said. Andy Bladyka, director of the parks and recreation department, said snow permitting, people should start building snowmen a week or so before the carnival. He said once the snowmen are completed, participants should call the department, and Bladyka or the assistant director will visit homes or businesses to take photos to be entered into the judging. “Provided we get the snow,” Bladyka said. “It’s pretty hard to make something with this crust.” He said awards will be given for the best snow sculptures. “It is something simple and different that everyone can do,” he said. Bladyka said it wasn’t too early to sign up for either the broom hockey competition on Saturday or the cardboard sled races Sunday afternoon. Friday will feature a bonfire and skating and sledding at the country club, with free hot chocolate and coffee, provided by The Silver Bullet food truck, which will be on hand all weekend selling food and beverages. Saturday’s events start with a pancake breakfast, and sled dog rides from Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel of Jefferson, N.H., Bladyka said. He said a limited number of rides will be available with the sled-dog teams. Muddy Paw is extremely kid-friendly, Bladyka said, and has two different dog teams, including rescue dogs. There will be shuttle bus service from Riverside Middle School Saturday between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. because of limited parking at the country club. The bus service is being sponsored by The Silver Bullet. Sunday’s events include open skating and sledding in the morning, with the cardboard sled races in the afternoon. To register, call Springfield Parks and Recreation at 885-2727. Bladyka said the Springfield Winter Carnival Facebook page will have additional information and updates in the coming days.