By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — City residents are invited to take part in a number of fun, family friendly activities involving businesses and organizations around Claremont, as part of the Claremont Winterfest hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department.
“This time of year, people get a little bit of cabin fever, so we wanted to put together something that gets people out and be active,” Parks and Recreation Director Justin Martin said. “This is a way to that stir crazy, cabin fever feeling out of them.”
Everything kicks off on Monday with bingo at 6 p.m., which cost $25 for 10 games with proceeds going to the ENF Fund. There is also a “Sweetheart Skate with a DJ” taking place at 6 p.m. at the Arrowhead Recreation Area, and skates are available for free.
On Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. there will be a “learn to skate” at the ice rink at Arrowhead Recreation Area, which is free for all with skates available.
“That is one of the biggest parts of Winterfest — the ice-skating rink,” Martin said. “The rink will hopefully be there all week. It is always weather dependent, but we’ve hit some really cold weather so we should be in good shape. Luckily Arrowhead has the perfect setup with hoses from snowmaking. They spray the water out and let it freeze, and huge shoutout to the Parks guys for making this all happen.”
If being out in the cold isn’t your thing, the Claremont Savings Bank Community Center is hosting an open swim during the same time.
“This time of year, people get a little bit of cabin fever, so we wanted to put together something that gets people out and be active,” —Parks and Recreation Director Justin Martin
On Wednesday at 4 p.m. there will be an arcade night at Time-Out Americana Grill, and then at 6 p.m. the CSBCC is hosting a Home Depot Wooden Surprise Workshop.
Thursday evening provides the chance for people to take a little jaunt in the outdoors, as there will be snow shoeing and a walk at Claremont Country Club. The club opens at 5 p.m. and snow shoeing begins at 5:30 p.m. The Fisk Free Library will also have a free evening of crafts and story time starting art 5:30 p.m. The CSBCC will be hosting Zumba at 5:30 p.m., as well, with non-members welcome whether they are experienced or beginners.
The week of activities will finish with mother/son bowling at Maple Lanes starting at 5 p.m., going for $4 per game and free shoe rentals.
“I have heard a little bit of criticism that we only offer a father/daughter dance, so we incorporated this bowling night,” he said. “This helps with bringing a full family framework for doing this kind of event. We are exciting to be able to do this in Winterfest leading up to the father/daughter dance on Feb. 21.”
Martin said Winterfest had fallen off the tracks a bit in Claremont, and the goal was to bring it back and start creating a framework for Winterfests to come. The goal is to start with these events and build on it as years go on.
“We want to continue to have this grow with more businesses, more activities and things for people to do,” Martin said. “We are so appreciative of all the businesses we reached out to, and their willingness to cooperate and make these things happen.”
For a complete listing of events, log onto facebook.com/ClaremontParks.