Bright sun and mild temperatures helped to draw an estimated 800 people to the first Old Orchard Beach Winter Carnival on Saturday, though the water was a bit chilly for those who braved the ocean for the Penguin Plunge.

The warm weather forced cancellation of some events, such as ice bowling and snowshoeing, but sledding and snowboarding happened, thanks to volunteers who trucked in loads of snow, turning Old Orchard Street into a sliding hill with beach views.

The human dog-sled races took place on the beach, instead of at Memorial Park, because of the lack of snow.

Jen DeRice of the town recreation department said, ”The weather was perfect for this event.” She is a member of the OOB365 organization that sponsored the carnival to promote Old Orchard Beach as a year-round destination.

 


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