Waterville’s Winter Carnival is slated for Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Quarry Road Recreation Area. The free annual event is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the area off North Street, according to a news release from event organizers. Donations will be accepted to support the trails.

Planned activities include skiing, snowshoeing, and walking tours of the trails, snowshoe races, ski instruction, winter biking demos and sledding. The groomed trail system offers trails for all levels and equipment will be available on a limited basis.

Families can also explore the “Amazing Tree Maze.” The event is part of Inland Hospital’s Let’s Go! Family Fun Series. Details to provide free transportation to the event from stops around the city will be announced at a later date.

New this year is winter golf and the L.L. Bean Bootmobile. Dog sled rides will be offered for a suggested donation of $5 per person with kids younger than 10 riding for free (with an adult). Trailside food and hot beverages, provided by local restaurants, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for a suggested “buck a cup” donation.

Attendees can visit the Welcome Center Yurt where Friends of Quarry Road will be on hand to talk about snowmaking, the ski-pass system, and plans for future enhancements of the area.

Because of an expected large crowd, it is requested that dogs stay at home for the event.

The event is hosted by Friends of Quarry Road and Waterville’s Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with Central Maine Ski Club, Inland Hospital and Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. Several other local organizations and dozens of volunteers participate while Central Maine Motors and Kennebec Federal Savings provide sponsorship support for this year’s community event.

For more information, or to volunteer for the event, visit quarryroadrecarea.org, call 861-3292, or email mskehan@waterville-me.gov.