5th Annual Winter Fun Day coming up

Organizers hope that the weather will again be cold enough for ice skating on the grounds of the community center. Shown are brothers Aiden and Max skating at the 2010 Winter Fun Day. File photos by Melanie Savage.

The annual Mansfield Winter Fun Day has become a traditional way to help chase away the winter blues. This year, after facing roof worries, leaky ceilings and seemingly-endless shoveling duties, folks likely need a respite more than ever. On Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Mansfield Community Center, this year’s Fun Day will offer an opportunity to participate in a number of activities.

With Storrs-based Breezy Acres getting out of the carriage ride business, this year’s wagon rides around town will be provided by Cedar Knoll Farms, out of Lisbon. Ice skating will be available, weather permitting (bring your own skates). When you need to warm up, step inside the Community Center for storytelling and crafts with the Mansfield Public Library and the Mansfield Advocates for Children.

As usual, representatives from UConn Dining Services will demonstrate how to create art from ice, as they carve ice sculptures on site. Members of the Tolland County Dive and Rescue Team will display their ice rescue equipment and share information about winter safety. Notes Over Storrs, a student a cappella group from UConn, will provide musical entertainment at 11:30 a.m.

The 5^th Annual Winter Fun Day will sponsor a donation drive to benefit the Town of Mansfield Human Services’ Food Pantry. Visitors are asked to please bring a non-perishable food item or a household necessity, such as toothpaste, soap, or paper goods, to the Community Center.  The Human Services Department requests that donors please ensure that the items are unopened and have not expired.  For a list of suggested items, please visit the Winter Fun Day page on the Town’s website, www.mansfieldct.gov.  Questions regarding donations should be directed to the Human Services Department. Their phone number is 860-429-3315.

This event is free and open to the public and will be held outdoors.  The inclement weather date is Saturday, Feb. 19.  For more information, please contact the Mansfield Downtown Partnership: 860.429.2740 or mdp@mansfieldct.org.