The town of Scarborough is gearing up for its annual Winterfest celebration, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, Jan. 17, noon to 5:30 p.m. at the municipal ice rink and high school sports complex.

Last year’s event was put off due to the weather not cooperating, but with the arrival of cold winter air, the ice events, at least, are likely to go on as planned.

The annual event includes fire pits, a Family Olympics competition, which consists of three events – the snow sling, the human sled dog race and the snow show obstacle course.

Winterfest also features speed skating, slalom skating, backward skating and an obstacle course, along with milk jug curling, wagon rides, snow sculpture contests, an ice-carving demonstration and silent auctions and raffles.

A king and queen will also be chosen, and the whole celebration ends with a fireworks display at 5 p.m.

Stephen Kramer, program coordinator for Scarborough’s Community Services Department, said the whole goal of Winterfest is to be “a fun, family event that’s a great reason to get out and be active during the winter.”

Also, as of last week, the municipal ice rink is now open for the season. There is no charge for skating and a concession stand offers hot cocoa and more.

All those younger than 14 must wear a helmet while playing hockey and hockey can only be played on the upper rink. The rink hours depend on ice conditions. Call the ice rink hotline at 883-7645 for up-to-date information.

The rink is open Monday-Friday, 2-8 p.m. and on weekends, holidays and school vacations it’s open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Hockey is allowed 2-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

– Kate Irish Collins

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