The annual Winter Family Fun Day and Snowshoe Races will be held at Mosquito Hill Nature Center on Saturday, Jan. 21.
“We’ve planned some great activities for all ages to get outside and have fun,” said Mosquito Hill director Mike Hibbard. “Serious and recreational racers alike can register for our snowshoe races in the morning, with afternoon activities for people of all ages.”
The 27th Annual Mosquito Hill Snowshoe Race, the longest running snowshoe race in the Midwest, will feature five-, three- and one-mile races at 9:45, 10 and 10:15 a.m. respectively. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the race. An 800 meter children’s race will be held at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $10 in advance or $15 on race day. The registration fee includes prizes to top finishers, ribbons to all participants in the children’s race, chili lunch and beverages, and admission to Winter Family Fun Day. A registration form may be found at www.mosquitohill.com. A foot race will be held in the absence of snow.
Winter Family Fun Day will be held from Noon to 3 p.m.
“Some of our favorite activities are returning this year,” said Hibbard, “including snowshoe hikes, ice bowling on Frog Pond Lanes, small sledding and inner-tube hills, s’more-making around the camp fire and other non-competitive games.”
This year’s event will also feature a dog sled presentation and demonstration. Visitors will be given the opportunity to meet the dogs and see them in action. Drawings will be held throughout the afternoon to win a dogsled ride.
Other activities include sleeping bag races, ice cube spitting contest and a family-friendly Winter Olympics competition. Families may pick up an entry card, take part in four different games, and win fun prizes based on their cumulative scores.
Food and hot beverages will be available for sale, including a chili bar with toppings, and home-made cookies. Admission is $8 per car.
Mosquito Hill Nature Center is located two miles east of New London off County Highway S at the end of Rogers Road. For more information, call 920-779-6433 .