KNOX — For the second time in 20 years, the Winterfest held in Knox will be a joint effort by the youth councils of Berne and Knox.  The annual event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Knox Town Park. 

The cardboard sled races, a new event last year, will be back.  There will sledding, a bonfire, and food and hot beverages distributed free of charge. And the park trails will be available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.  

A highlight of the fest is the chili contest. Prizes will be awarded and then the entries will be sampled by all the festival-goers who can even make a chili dog. The chili judging will start at noon. Those who want to enter the contest must contact Jean Gagnon at 872-9670 to register.

Due to popular demand, the cardboard sled race is adding an adult division this year.  Age groups are: adults, little kids (up to sixth grade), and big kids (seventh to 12th grade.) Rules are simple: 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 most attractive cardboard sled.  You may decorate your sled or build it in any shape you’d like, but structurally you can only use 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.

It's OK to paint and add decorations to your design on non-snow contact areas.  Sleds may have one or more riders.  Registration will start at noon, and the racing will begin at 12:30.  For additional information on the cardboard sleds, email . 

The Youth Council will also take this opportunity to collect donations for the local food pantry.  One or two canned goods would be truly appreciated.

Families are encouraged to attend together.  Children in fifth grade and younger must be accompanied by an adult.  The town park is located on Route 156 in the village, behind the firehouse and town hall.