By Doug La Rocque
Old Man Winter wasn’t very cooperative this year but most events at the 31st Annual Winter Festival went off as planned. The major casualty of the mild winter season was the annual ice fishing contest, postponed until February 13, because the ice was deemed not thick enough to be safe. [private]
The event opened with some guided morning walks on the Park’s trails, and it wasn’t long before the Grafton Trail Blazers club had some snowmobiles up and running on some man-made trails. Throughout the day the Club offered information and safety tips on snowmobiling as well as free rides for the youngsters.
The morning also featured demonstrations by the Rensselaer County Search and Rescue unit. These well-trained dogs and their handlers have been an important part of many successful searches not only in the County but all around the Northeast. And speaking of dogs, the Northland Newfoundlands were also there, offering free sled rides along the frozen beach behind this hearty yet gentle breed of dog.
The Polar Plunge Has A Distinct Local Flavor This Year
For nine years now, the park has opened a portion of its beach on Long Pond for those who like to take a little winter dip. This year, a portion of the $20 dollar registration fee was given over to the Food Pantry at Our Lady of the Snow Parish in Grafton.
Several Berlin Central School teachers and students also participated to raise funds and awareness for the School’s Trout in the Classroom program, developed in memory of Michael G. Richardson, a former Science Teacher at Berlin. The program raises trout from eggs to fry, while teaching students about water resources, fostering conservation and understanding ecosystems. The program ends the year with the release of the trout into state approved streams and nearby watersheds. Those taking part this year were Matt Christian, Karen Day, Nancy Kabir, Steve Mellor, Brendan Scannell and Nick Toole. Students taking the plunge were Jackson Burhans, Sarah Jean French, Emma Wolley and Kaitlyn Phillips.
Working under the ice cap was the New York State Police Dive Team from Troop G. These Troopers donned winter scuba gear, plunging through a hole cut in the ice, and popped up out of another hole some distance away. The Troopers demonstrated how they conduct such underwater search and rescues, with the use of their safety gear and communications equipment.
Other highlights of the day were the many educational and animal exhibits in the Park Garage Building, along with a number of local vendors. Face painting and Balloon Gal Jenny gave children some winter-themed memories to take home with them. The New York State Police and Park police, the Grafton Rescue Squad and Fire Department were also there to provide safety and medical services.
Fish Without A License
A plus from the postponement of the Ice Fishing contest is that the new date falls on the annual free fishing weekend in New York, so a state fishing license will not be needed. The event will be open to anglers of all ages, but a $10 entrance fee will be charged to those 16 or older. A cash prize will be awarded to the first place finishers in all categories. The event will run from 5:30 am until 3PM on all ponds in the park. [/private]