Annual Ramapo Winter Carnival Held; Embraces Spring Spirit and Family Fun

BY DIANA BIERMAN

Hundreds of families gathered at the Joseph T. St. Lawrence Community Health & Sports Center in Hillburn on March 2 for one of Ramapo’s signature events: the 10th annual Winter Carnival. While children spent the afternoon getting their faces painted or jumping on bouncy castles, parents got to enjoy complimentary hot dogs, mingle among vendors and enjoy a Saturday with family.

The biggest hit, and the newest addition to the carnival, was the first ever Rockland Boulders Winter Blast, which provided both young and old the opportunity to “meet and greet” Boulders players, the mascot, BoulderBird, attend a free baseball clinic, card show and win Boulders tickets and merchandise.

Whether local or from far away, people from all over look forward to the carnival each year to reign in spring “now that training camps have opened [and] baseball fever is in the air,” said Ken Lehner, president of the Rockland Boulders.

“During these tough economic times, the town board has endeavored to offer family-oriented events at little or no cost to local residents,” said Ramapo Supervisor Christopher P. St. Lawrence. “It’s great to see the kids running from activity to activity. They’re definitely not tugging on Mommy’s arm here—it’s the kids running the show!”

“It’s wonderful to see how it keeps growing each year,” he added.

“The carnival is a great way to introduce spring and get people out of their homes in the winter,” explained Michelle Antosca, director of Parks and Recreation at Town of Ramapo, who organized the event.

The two didn’t hold back from joining the fun, either—in fact, they raced down an inflatable slide together!

Stay tuned for Ramapo’s future events: The fishing derby at Willow Tree Park on May 12, Family Field Day at the St. Lawrence Center on June 1 and the July 4th fireworks at Rockland Community College. For more info, visit www.ramapoparks.org. For more info about the Rockland Boulders, visit www.rocklandboulders.com.

  Christopher P. St. Lawrence, Ken Lehner, Ramapo Winter Carnival, rockland boulders, Rockland family fun, town of ramapo, Town of Ramapo Events