the great outdoors
Winterfest
What’s not to love about a weekend in January? Rosy cheeks, cozy sweaters, snowballs. If it’s not cold enough for the white stuff then go to Plan B. You can be sure the folks at Hills Creek State Park will. “We always plan for snow or no snow, ice or no ice—we always do something,” says Tim Morey, park natural resource specialist, of the January 20, 2018, Winterfest at Hills Creek. And that something is always fun. So much so that Tim confesses he’s not even certain how many years the event has been taking place. Winterfest, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is family friendly and all free—“no one has to bring anything,” Tim says, although it is okay to bring your favorite sled, winter sports gear, and, of course, the snow. If your equipment repertoire does not include cross-country skis, ice skates, or snowshoes, there will be sets of those available to use and folks there to help you figure out how to use them. There will be hiking trails open, some of the park roads will be plowed for cross-country skiing and hiking, and there will be free hot dogs and hot chocolate “until they’re gone.” Tim is also planning for the return of Mel Longhunter and his 1700s-era pioneer set-up. So pile the kids in the car, make a weekend of it, and let them “sled the snow off the hill and enjoy everything Nature has to offer,” says Tim. For information on cabin rentals, call the park office at (570) 724-4246.
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