Snow much fun

The weather was just right this year for the 37th Annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival. From human saucer bowling to the annual baking and cooking contest Encampment residents appeared to have fun.

On Friday afternoon, the Winter Carnival kicked off with human saucer bowling on McCaffrey Avenue.

“We have ages from preschool all the way through to adults that put themselves on a sled and run into sand filled two liter bottles,” said Alyx Munson, event chairman. “It is the beginning event, besides the snow art, for the winter carnival.”

Among those adults were Encampment mayor Shannon Fagan, who appeared to enjoy herself.

“Everybody’s usually pretty happy to see the mayor and she’s one of the more active mayors that we’ve had,” said Munson.

Toni Tolle, who has helped Munson with the event for the past few years, said she appreciates what it does for the area.

“I love it,” said Tolle. “Especially in a rural community like this where snow shuts us down alot, it gives them something to do and get out and have fun.”

In fact, Tolle’s own children participate in many of the events each year. Conner and Cash competed in human saucer bowling, the sled races and even the cake bake off. This was Conner’s second year competing, last year he won people’s choice, and Cash’s first year. As one might expect, their favorite parts about baking cakes include licking the frosting off the spatula and eating the cake once it’s done.

Their advice to other aspiring young bakers was to not be afraid and have fun. And to make sure your cake bottom is fully baked.

While the smell of chili, bread and cake filled the Grand Encampment Opera House—which earlier housed the smell of pancakes and eggs for the annual VFW Pancake Breakfast—a few blocks away the smell of exhaust filled the air. Snowmachine enthusiasts from near and far gathered at Grand View Park for the Sixth Street Sprint, which saw them kick up snow and race around the block for the best time.

All in all, it appeared to be a great year for the Annual Sierra Madre Winter Carnival filled with fun, snow and great weather.