FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — On Saturday, community members gathered for what many hope to be the beginning of a revived tradition: the town’s annual Winter Carnival.
Despite temperatures that remained only slightly above zero degrees, folks came out to enjoy the town’s new skating rink, roast marshmallows in front of a bonfire and enjoy a chilli cookout and toboggan rides, the latter courtesy of the fire department’s rescue toboggan equipment.
Fort Fairfield Parks and Recreation director Kevin Senal said that although the cold temperatures might have deterred some people from attending the activities, those who came were glad to see the return of Winter Carnival.
“This time of the year, with spring not that far away, people are anxious to get outside and enjoy the winter that’s here,” Senal said.
Winter Carnival provided a chance for many people to enjoy Fort Fairfield’s new skating rink, located near the community center. Although the rink was originally scheduled to open in December 2019, a period of warmer weather made it difficult for the ice to stay frozen.
The rink has now been up and running since early February and is open for skate rentals Monday, Wednesday and Friday 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays 4-8 p.m. People who have their own skates can use the rink anytime except for 10 p.m.-8 a.m. when the rink is closed for maintenance.
“We’ve seen a lot of people use the rink, which is fantastic,” Senal said.
Michelle Manning of Fort Fairfield and her children Scott Paradis, 11, and Makenna Paradis, 8, took advantage of the rink’s open hours on Saturday. Manning hopes that the town continues the Winter Carnival tradition every winter.
“The kids get a chance to be outside, and there’s a greater sense of community when we bring back events like this,” Manning said.
