WATERVILLE — It used to be that if Mother Nature did not provide the city-owned Quarry Road Recreation Area with snow, the city’s annual winter carnival did not happen.

But thanks to an abundance of man-made snow produced at the site Tuesday, the promise of holding the festival Jan. 31 is bright.

“We made a loop from the main building through the big meadow and up Koons Loop — a kilometer-and-a-half of man-made snow,” said Parks and Recreation Director Matt Skehan Thursday. “The base is eight to 12 inches. It’s fantastic. I was out there this morning, and it’s incredible how much snow was made in one day.”

Friends of Quarry Road made the snow using 15 sled guns that are towed on the backs of snowmobiles, as well as five 30-foot-tall stationary towers that cover a large area in the meadow part of the facility, Skehan said.

The Friends of Quarry Road contracts with a group that comes down from Sugarloaf to help make the snow, and city parks and recreation employees help groom the area, he said.

The winter carnival, to be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 31, will include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter biking demonstrations, a tree maze, sledding, a bonfire and dog sled rides.

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While entry to the carnival and most activities are free, a suggested donation for the dog sled rides is $5 a person. Children under age 10 who are with an adult ride free. The cost for a cup of soup, stew or chili is $1.

The carnival is sponsored by the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, Central Maine Ski Club, Kennebec Messalonskee Trails, KFS bank, Inland Hospital and Let’s Go Family Fun Series.

Free transportation to the carnival site, which is at the end of Quarry Road off North Street, is available. More information is accessible at quarryroadrecarea.org or by calling 680-4744.

Skehan said it is important that people understand how much Friends of Quarry Road does for the recreation area. The group raises hundreds of thousands of dollars, staffs the welcome center yurt on the site and garners volunteers to help. The group also organizes ski equipment rentals.

Snowshoes at the yurt are available for children and adults to use free of charge. People also may rent skis, boots and poles. Snacks, hot chocolate and water also are available at the yurt.

Skehan said officials are hoping to be able to demonstrate snow-making at the carnival by setting up one snow gun.

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Meanwhile, carnival organizers hope the area gets a natural snowstorm to supplement the snow already made, according to Skehan.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed,” he said.

Amy Calder — 861-9247

acalder@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @AmyCalder17


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