Third annual Springfield Winter Carnival brings fun for all

Carnival events over the weekend included snow kayak racing, sledding, a snowman building contest, an evening bonfire and fireworks.

Photo: For the second year in a row Garret Twombly edged out his dad for the win in kayak racing!


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Third annual Springfield Winter Carnival brings fun for all ages BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The Shopper February 14, 2018 carnival Competitors assemble for the cardboard sled race. Photo by Karen Engdahl SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – In the pale, dappled sunlight of a warm winter afternoon, the crest of the hill at the Crown Point Country Club was swarming with impatient racers, holding their homemade cardboard sleds, eager for the Cardboard Sled Race event to begin. The third annual Springfield Winter Carnival, which kicked off with an evening bonfire and fireworks on Friday, Feb. 9, was in full swing. Watching the racers assemble, Kim Gauthier and her family prepared to take the hike down the hill to the skating rink. Young Khole Gauthier, skates casually hanging by the laces over her shoulder, tugged her mother’s hand. carnival Kim Gauthier with Khloe (left) and baby Harper. Photo by Karen Engdahl. “She’s excited to try skating,” explained Gauthier, who was also carrying baby Harper in an infant carrier. “It’s a beautiful day to be outside!” Meanwhile, inside the Crown Point clubhouse, families participated in games and activities provided by Troy Wunderle of Wunderle’s Big Top Adventures, including juggling items, spinning plates, devil sticks, lassoes, and the Diablo – a challenge using long sticks to control a wood block shaped like an hour glass. Also offered indoors were free snow cones and face painting provided by All-4-One, the Springfield after-school program. “I want a mustache!” declared Abe Allen of Springfield. Mona Frye, face painter extraordinaire, obliged with a handlebar masterpiece. Other carnival events over the weekend included snow kayak racing, sledding, a snowman building contest, and the famous broomball tournament at North School on Sunday afternoon. carnival Face painter Mona Frye creates mustache for Abe Allen. Photo by Karen Engdahl. Added this year were activities focused on including more adults, such as offering Trout River beer on tap for the Friday night festivities and providing live music at the evening venue. The Crown Point Tavern offered pub fare including burgers, chili, fries, and beverages for hungry carnival-goers throughout the weekend. Organized by staff of Springfield Parks and Recreation and the Edgar May Center, the carnival events were once again free to everyone. “It’s just good, simple outdoor fun,” said Andy Bladyka of Springfield Parks and Rec. The racers on the hillside, careening down the slope on their cardboard creations, squealed in agreement. Related Post