Thiis story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
PHILIPSBURG — While recent weather conditions have most area residents complaining about frigid temperatures, leaders at Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Road., Philipsburg, are praising forecasters as well as an arctic blast that has turned the outdoors into a scene from Disney’s “Frozen.”
Hundreds of winter enthusiasts are expected to slide into the popular outdoor location this Saturday, Jan. 24 for the annual “Fun in the Snow at Black Mo” event starting at 10 a.m. to enjoy numerous ice and snow-related activities.
While a no snow/no ice date is scheduled for Feb. 7, this week’s frigid temperatures has assured park staff that ice will be plentiful.
“We have six inches of ice right now, and we are expecting up to nine to 10 inches by the time the event occurs,” said Park Manager Mathias Weinzen. “Last year was a really good year for us it because we had both ice and snow.”
Weinzen said an estimated 500 people crowded the park last year — and he hopes it will be the same or better turnout this year. Park staff along with Friends of Black Moshannon have partnered to offer numerous winter activities.
Some of the activities include Broom Ball, build-a-sculpture, sled riding, ice mini-golf, ice bowling and curling — with the Penn State Curling Club on hand to assist in the curling event. The ice-skating area will also be open.
Don’t have equipment? Don’t let that keep you away, Weinzen said. The park will hook you up with whatever you need on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We have loaner equipment at the park office — snowshoes, cross country skis and ice skates. We take all these over to the ice-skating area and loan them out for the event,” Weinzen said in a recent telephone interview. “There may not be enough snow for the skis and snowshoes, but we will be able to use the skates.”
The ice-skating “rink” will be located between Boat Launch No. 1 and the boat rental area.
Weinzen said there will be numerous warming stations throughout the park. Additionally, numerous park staff and volunteers will be located throughout the park and at different activity sites to assist.
“Multiple fires will be around for people to warm up. The warming hut will be heated,” he added. Additionally, refreshments will be available and provided by Friends of Black Moshannon by donation in the Environmental Learning Center, where they will also be selling park merchandise.
The park’s six modern cabins, one ADA rustic cabin and the lodge are all rented for the weekend. Weinzen encourages everyone to bundle up, venture to the park and enjoy a fun-filled day outdoors.
“There is no experience needed. All ages are welcome and we encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the day,” Weinzen said. Experience Black Moshannon for what it’s worth in the winter season, and find a new activity that you like.”
