Otisfield plans annual winter carnival

OTISFIELD — The Otisfield Winter Carnival Committee has been gearing up for its seventh annual winter carnival on Saturday, February 19.

The day will start with a kickoff breakfast at Spurr’s Corner Church from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Free donations will be accepted. The breakfast will be scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, juice and coffee. After the hearty breakfast, head down to the town beach on Powhattan from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a morning full of fun. Bring your skates and take a spin around the ice rink. There will be a variety of games with a prize tent, ice skating and a fire to warm up by with hot chocolate and smores. Gordan Grover and his team of horses will be giving wagon rides through Seeds of Peace from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A hot lunch prepared by Al and Patty Haggerty, members of the Otisfield Volunteer Firefighters Association, will be served at the beach from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations will be accepted for a lunch of chicken stew, corn chowder, hot dogs and beverages.

Afternoon activities will take place at the town office on Route 121. Make and take crafts and cookie decorating, sponsored by the East Otisfield Free Baptist Church, will be inside along with hot chocolate and snacks. Back by popular demand will be the cardboard class sled competition. There were some creative sleds made of duct tape and cardboard last year and everyone is looking forward to see this year’s sleds. Registration for your prebuilt sled is at 12:45 p.m. with the competition starting at 1:30 p.m., racing your sled down the hill at the town office. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative sleds and more. Traditional sledding will also be available.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all events.

Sled instructions: You will need corrugated cardboard, duct tape, scissors, rope, glue and decorations

Step 1 — Determine what materials you need for your sled. Collect corrugated cardboard, duct tape, scissors, rope, glue and any decorations you want to use to personalize your sled.

Step 2 — Create a design for your intended sled. For something simple, use a rectangle piece of corrugated cardboard with a rounded front. Include an extra layer of cardboard at the base to increase durability and longevity. You can also choose to add sides and design flourishes.

Step 3 — Cut your cardboard according to your new blueprint and try to make the edges as clean and straight as possible. Choose a piece with a rounded edge for the top front of the cardboard. Using a design that includes folding the cardboard could weaken the overall construction of your sled.

Step 4 — Cut a small hole in either side of the front of your sled. You can just poke a hole into the cardboard with your scissors. Thread the rope through each hole and tie it off at each hole to create a pull. Make sure the rope is strong enough to pull whoever is riding in it. Or you can just use the rope to pull an empty sled to and from your launch point. If you prefer, you can also create handles on each side of the sled instead of a rope.

Step 5 — Add sides by cutting out cardboard pieces that match the length of your sled. Make them as high as you wish and attach using glue and reinforce with duct tape. You can also include a roof and make a car, spaceship or boat design.

Step 6 — Use decorations such as emblems, logos, glitter or stickers to personalize your sled. Attach with glue or tape to secure. Get creative with your options and good luck.

Cardboard is available at the transfer station during business hours.

For more information, check out the town website at www.otisfield.gov or contact Noreen Edwards at 627-7033.