Winterfest features new sled-building contest for kids

HILLTOWNS — Are your kids looking for something fun to work on over the holiday break? How about building a sled?

The first annual joint Berne-Knox Winterfest will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Knox Town Park, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (postponed from earlier dates). A new event will be added — the Cardboard Sled race.

The concept is simple enough: Make your own sled using only cardboard and duct tape.

There will be prizes and awards for various age groups, as well as for the most unusual or attractive sled.  You may decorate your sled or build it in any shape you’d like, but structurally you can use only cardboard and tape.

Here are the rules:

— Your sled must pass inspection in order to be allowed on the hill;

— Your sled must be free of sharp edges, pointy objects, or any other feature that may be deemed dangerous by the inspectors. If you are unable to remove such objects from your sled, you will not be allowed to race;

— Only corrugated or non-corrugated cardboard may be used;

— You may not use: corrugated plastics or other corrugated materials, carpet tubes, cardboard that is bonded to other materials, epoxy-reinforced cardboard, or any other cardboards that raise concern. If there is any doubt, don’t use it;

— Only duct tape may be used to hold your sled together;

— You may not use: tar-based substances; epoxy glue; fiberglass resin; two-part varnishes or any other two-part substances; or glues that harden into solids that may be deemed dangerous or may potentially leave hazardous debris on the hill

— You may not use: screws of any sort or material, mechanical fasteners, nails, staples, or any other means of holding your sled together that may be deemed dangerous or may potentially leave hazardous debris on the hill;

— Only seams and joints may be taped, not the whole toboggan; and

— Your sled may not be wrapped in plastic, tape, shrinkwrap, or anything else.

    How creative can you be using only corrugated cardboard as a building material? Plan on finding out on Jan. 24.  Additional information about the Winterfest will be announced in January, including the annual Chili Contest.

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