As residents of Morris huddled around their fireplaces to stave off the bitterly cold temperatures outside earlier this month, organizers with Morris Area Recreation were preparing for the 14th annual Winter Carnival.
The event takes place in and around the Morris Multiplex on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a host of activities celebrating the joys of winter.
“The Morris Winter Carnival is such a beloved event for our community,” said multiplex facilities manager Arien Peterson. “With activities like skating, dogsled rides, tobogganing, hot chocolate, and hockey games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Preparing for the event’s outdoor ice rink started two weeks ago. The cold temperatures created challenges for those working outdoors but ideal for getting down multiple floods to make a smooth skating surface. Strings of lights around the rink that come on at dark make for an attractive winter scene.
“We moved the outdoor skating rink from in front of the grandstands over next to the parking lot,” Peterson noted. “The course for the dog sled ride by Unique Adventures has also changed. The ride will now leave from the parking lot and go around the barns and return to the grounds.
“We hope by bringing activities closer to the complex it will be easier for folks.”
The familiar fire pit hosted by the Morris Fire Department will crackle for souls that need a warm-up. The folks on the big red trucks are also cooking hot dogs for those needing a snack. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served by Sun Valley Co-op and mini-donuts are free at the Dexter Donuts truck for the first 75 carnival guests.
The multiplex also offers indoor activities as a refuge from the cold outside, including bouncy castles for the kids and several hockey games through the afternoon and evening.
The Red River Wild U11 team plays at 11:30 a.m., the U13 Wild lace up their skates at 1:15 p.m., and the Morris Mavericks high school team hit the ice at 7:30 p.m.
It’s shaping up to be a great weekend, Peterson said, noting the annual carnival is “a time when everyone comes together to enjoy the season, connect as a community, and give kids of all ages a chance to have some outdoor fun.”
