WinterKids celebrates second annual Cooper Campbell Day

BRIDGTON — WinterKids will kick off the 2010-2011 winter season with Cooper Campbell Day, a fun, fast-paced, on-mountain event for kids and their families at Shawnee Peak in Bridgton from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 19. The festival, now in its second year, celebrates the life of Cooper Campbell, of Scarborough, who was killed by a drunk driver on the Maine Turnpike in April 2008. According to Steve Campbell, Cooper's father, 15-year-old Cooper was an avid skier and snowboarder who "enjoyed winter with his whole heart and lived by the words 'live, love, listen, laugh, learn and leave a mark.'"

WinterKids and Shawnee Peak will help "leave a mark" for Cooper by bringing kids and families out on the slopes to learn and have fun together. Shawnee Peak has generously offered 75 pre-registered children and adults the chance to try skiing and snowboarding for the very first time, with free lessons, rentals and lift tickets.

"Cooper Campbell was a true winter kid," said Fran Mullin, Executive Director of WinterKids. "His zest for life and adventure is truly inspiring, and we're excited to give families the opportunity to try some of the winter sports Cooper loved!"

WinterKids invites all families to join the fun at Cooper Campbell Day. In addition to enjoying healthy outdoor activity, kids and their families will enjoy music, fun games, prizes provided by L.L.Bean and Hannaford Supermarkets, a silent auction and more throughout the day.

Governor Baldacci will join Steve Campbell and representatives from WinterKids for remarks at 12:15 p.m.

WinterKids is the nonprofit organization that helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through fun, outdoor winter activity. WinterKids sponsors include Hannaford Supermarkets and Healthy Maine Partnerships. Other major supporters include L.L.Bean, TD Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation. For more information about WinterKids, please visit www.winterkids.org.