Batmobile piloted by Joesph Townsend and Melissa Hoffman
Weather conditions were perfect for a day of outdoor fun on Saturday, February 23 at Inlet’s annual Frozen Fire and Lights event. Among the highlights of the winter fest was the Cardboard Sled Races at Fern Park which attracted a field of 24 racers. The event, drew a crowd of close to 400 spectators.
Young racers plow through the snow
The competition was organized into three categories: Class I – Ages 6 and under; Class II – Ages 7 to 12; and Class III – Ages 13 and up.
The fastest sled in each class was awarded a certificate and prize. Winners in each class were: Class I – G’s Pontoon, piloted by Genevieve VanWie; Class II – Bradley’s Ford F150 piloted by Bradley Foster of Victor; and Class III – Hard Times Express, piloted by Mackenzie, Dylan and Raigan Laporte
The Best in Show Award was given to Hard Times Express, a train with smoke billowing from its smokestack.
Race contestants ready their sleds for launch at Inlet’s Fern Park.
Best Construction was earned by Red Racer a sleek race car piloted by Ben Evans of Big Moose. Most Original honors were earned by the pit crew from ACE Hardware with their Batmobile driven by Joseph Townsend and Melissa Hoffman.
Most Realistic was earned by Ella Schmid with her entry Rudy 13, a brown dog sled that romped its way down the hill.
Adele’s Favorite was awarded to The Derby Winner, a creation that was constructed in a motel room at 10 a.m. the day of the event by the Walsh and Spin families of Auburn.
The cardboard sled race was the fourth and final race of the Central Adirondack Cardboard Sled Race Circuit.
Races were previously held in Long Lake, Indian Lake and Old Forge during their annual winter carnivals, and racers could qualify as circuit champion by participating in three of the four races.
The 2013 Cardboard Sled Circuit champion is Bob Lewin of Blue Mountain Lake who with his entry, Daddy’s Folly, earned a total of 50 points.
Throughout the day, fest-goers enjoyed sledding, skating and cross-country skiing.
The day ended with a fireworks display at Arrowhead Park and wine and chocolate tasting at Screamen Eagle.
