PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital will be holding a free community Snowshoeing with Santa event at the Nordic Heritage Center on Sunday, Dec. 23, from 1-3 pm. The event is part of the Fit & Fun Winter Challenge.
“We are always looking for new, fun ways to engage families in physical activity,” said Jamie Guerrette, community health specialist at the hospital. “Considering the season, inviting Santa to join our snowshoeing trip seemed really appropriate. There will be lots of fun activities both inside the lodge and outside in the snow.”
In addition to the organized snowshoe hike, people can also opt to just try out snowshoeing around the lodge area if this is something new that they want to get a feel for, according to Guerrette. Snowshoes are available to rent from Nordic for just $2, or free rentals are available for those who hold Nordic memberships. Equipment is available while supplies last, and of course those that have their own snowshoes are encouraged to bring them.
The lodge will open at noon for pre-hike cookies, hot cocoa and activities. There will be a station for kids to mix up their own reindeer food to leave out on Christmas eve, as well as a station for those who want to decorate a sugar cone Christmas tree to bring home. There will also be an opportunity to have photos taken with Santa, so parents are encouraged to bring a cell phone or camera.
This event is one of 14 activities taking place as part of AR Gould’s Winter Challenge for December through February. Those taking part in the challenge receive a passport card that they then bring with them to each event they take part in. Prizes are won after three, six, nine and 12 punches, so the more someone takes part, the more they win. Snowshoeing with Santa marks the last activity for December, but there are still 10 activities left in January and February, so it’s not too late to join in.
For more information on the Fit & Fun Winter Challenge or Snowshoeing with Santa, please contact Jamie Guerrette at 207.768.4008 or jguerrette@northernlight.org.
Submitted by the Communications Office of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
