Boyce Park’s inaugural SnowFest celebration this weekend has something for everyone, including mascot races, a cardboard sled derby and the Mini-Junior Olympics Ski & Snowboard Races.
“We’ve scheduled three days of [on- and off-snow] winter fun for the whole family,” said Allegheny County Parks director Andy Baechle.
The celebration at the county-owned area in Plum began Friday night with a free Winter Wonderland Laser Light Show that will be repeated from 7-10 p.m. today. There also will be ski and snowboard races today and Sunday for snowsports enthusiasts age 5 and up. Baechle said the area is offering “special all-day lift tickets” today and Sunday for children 5 and younger ($14), juniors 6-17 ($27), adults 18-59 ($37) and seniors 60 and older ($27).
The 30th annual Adam Zebroski Ski and Snowboard Races for youths 13-15 and 16-18 will be at 11 a.m. The registration fee is $10. Plaques will be awarded to the top three racers in each age, gender category.
The second annual Boyce Park Shootout for men and women skiers and snowboarders 18 and older will be at 1 p.m. The registration fee is $20. Prizes will be provided by Peak Ski & Board, Holden Outerwear, Pow Gloves, Dye Goggles, Dragon Goggles, Gnu Snowboards, and 540 skis.
A Cardboard Box Snowtubing Derby for participants 15 and younger and 16 and older will be at 4:30 p.m. on the snowtubing hill. Participants, who must be at least 50 inches tall, are invited to build a sled out of cardboard and duct tape. All sleds must be approved by the ski patrol.
Free off-snow activities include face-painting and balloon art from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today in the Four Seasons Lodge. A disc jockey will provide music from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the base of the slopes. Zig Daniels will provide acoustic music from 5-7 p.m. in the lodge.
The annual Mini-Junior Olympics Ski & Snowboard Races for boys and girls age 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12 will be at noon Sunday.
The registration fee is $10. Medals will be awarded to the top three participants in each age, gender category.
Free events from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday in the lodge include a face-painter, balloon artist and a magician. Kohl’s Hard Heads Program and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC will give away free winter sports helmets from 1-2 p.m. to the first 75 youngsters age 17 and younger who show up.
WISH99.7FM, complete with a prize wheel, will broadcast live from 1-3 p.m. in the lodge. Free family games and activities with “Find Some Soul” will be from 1-5 p.m. by the slopes. A DJ will play from 3-6 p.m. The Pirate Parrot, Steely McBeam, Albert the Owl and seven other mascots will race at 2 p.m. in the snowtubing park.
Proceeds from the registration fees will benefit the Boyce Park Ski Patrol. Information: www.alleghenycounty.us/winterfun.
Save on rentals
Complete ski/snowboard rental packages for adults and children are available at Thrifty Ski Rental ($19, $22.25; 724-593-6404) and at Jumpin’ Jakes ($18, $20; 724-593-9700). Both shops are along Route 31 East, less than a mile from the Donegal turnpike interchange. Ski and snowboard rental equipment costs twice as much at Hidden Valley and Seven Springs (which owns and operates Jumpin’ Jakes). Thrifty also rents cross- country equipment for $19.
Larry Walsh writes about recreational snowsports for the Post-Gazette.
First Published: January 24, 2015, 5:00 a.m.
