DERRY — Even though there's no snow in the immediate forecast, Frost Festival organizers invite people to come out this weekend for winter activities and plenty of fun.
The 13th annual Frost Festival officially kicks off Friday night with a free spaghetti supper for senior citizens at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School.
After that, Saturday and Sunday are filled with events for all ages, snow or no snow.
Dealing with the winter weather, or lack of it, is something Frost Festival committee members have seen often.
Although, in its 13-year history, only one year's events were canceled — and then Derry had a blizzard.
"We're always contingent on the weather," Parks and Recreation Director Eric Bodenrader said.
Decisions had to be made this week as to what Frost Festival events would be held, since snow is scarce and the ice is thin.
Typically, the festival includes snowmobile rides, sledding and snowboarding on trails at Hoodkroft Golf Course and on the popular hill at Alexander-Carr Park.
With no snow in sight this week, many of those events are canceled.
Ice is a major issue at Gallien's Beach where ice fishing, and open hockey and skating were planned.
Bodenrader said safety has to come first.
"You get out farther (on the lake) and it's safer, but the shorelines are the last place to freeze, the first to melt," he said.
But there is still plenty to do.
Saturday's schedule includes a family show at Veterans Hall, beginning at noon. It will feature Derry Public Library children's director Evan Bush with a puppet show, "Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover;" a magic show by Bob McLaughlin; and a Wildlife Encounters animal show.
Before the Saturday show, families can enjoy cookie decorating from 10 a.m. to noon. Later on Saturday, the annual Frost Ball is held at Promises to Keep
For Sunday, Bodenrader said the activities scheduled for Hoodkroft are off due to lack of snow.
Also off the festival list are snow-dependent activities at Alexander-Carr.
"We're moving the arts and crafts to Veterans Hall," Bodenrader said.
The arts and crafts are scheduled for Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Also included will be face painting and the crowning of the Frost Festival king and queen.
Bodenrader said the popular Ice Breakers ice sculptors return this year to transform blocks of ice at the former Depot Steakhouse area on Broadway on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The chili contest previously scheduled for Gallien's Beach on Sunday will move to Veterans Hall from noon to 3 p.m.
For additional Frost Festival information and updated schedule, call Parks and Recreation at 432-6136 or check Derry's Channel 17 for updates.
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