MEEKER I Saturday will be a day of free fun and games as the ERBM Recreation & Parks District plays host to Winter Blast for kids and adults featuring a variety of competitions from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paintbrush Park, 101 Ute Road, which is just opposite the rec center.
The main activity centers around the Cardboard Derby, in which riders of all ages construct their own sleds and race down the hill to the rec center flats. There are six race classes, including: six years and under; seven years to 12; 13 to 18 years; 19 and older; family sled (up to four members); and open class (groups, business and clubs) with up to four riders.
Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the derby begins at 11:30 a.m. There will also be a free meal from noon to 1 p.m., at Paintbrush Park Pavilion. The Cardboard Derby winners will be announced then.
The rec district’s Winter Carnival will run from 1 to 3 p.m., featuring snowshoe races, snow dying, snowman building and carnival games.
For those in the Cardboard Derby, contestants should meet at the top of Paintbrush Park Sled Hill, with your sled by 11 a.m. to register. Participants will have to sign in, even if there is no snow, as judging will still take place for the most creative sleds.
Sleds can only be constructed using cardboard, tape and glue, but they may be decorated with markers, paint and tape.
There will be three racing categories: Biggest Wipeout (biggest wipeout or the fastest to fall apart) one winner per division; Most Creative: (best design, team spirit, crowd support) first-, second- and third-place winners for the most creative design—not judged by age division but all sleds judged together; and Race Champion (fastest to the finish line) One winner per division and the fastest winner overall wins the grand prize, the traveling Golden Cup.
