By Katie Farrell Lovett
NEWBURYPORT — The annual Winter Carnival will return to the Bartlet Mall on Jan. 23.
The daylong winter event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
While the family festival has encountered scheduling problems in the past due to difficulties with Mother Nature, this year's date is set.
"There is no rain date this year, so we have to pray for good weather," parks administrator Lisô Reid said.
The carnival draws about 1,000 people to the Mall for outdoor activities and events.
The program will include the Human Dog Sled Race for the second year, Reid said.
The race features teams of five or fewer people consisting of one driver and human "sled dogs" racing across the frozen pond. Teams provide their own sled and rope for attaching the sled to the dog team.
The race will be judged purely upon speed. It is free to enter, and the winner will receive a prize.
Reid said organizers are hoping adults will enter the race this year, as well. Teams can enter the day of the carnival.
In addition, the Mothers' Club will run activities for children, including arts and crafts and games.
There will be skate races, winter games, such as snowman building, basketball on ice and snowball activities, Reid said. Open skating, snowboarding and sledding will occur throughout the day.
Colby Farm in Newburyport will offer horse-drawn hayrides, and the White Hen Pantry will again offer free hot cocoa and coffee. Free cookies will be provided by Shaw's Supermarket and volunteer bakers.
WNBP will provide music throughout the day.
The event is funded by donations from the Institution for Savings and the Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, Reid said.
For more information, contact Lisô Reid at 978-463-3545.
