Come join the fun at Ticklenaked Pond.....
Saturday, February 9th marks the sixth Annual Winter Carnival being held at Ticklenaked Pond in Ryegate Corner, VT beginning at noon until 3 pm. Old Man Winter can't negate the enthusiasm for this once a year event that brings families together for an afternoon of fun featuring great eats and lots of winter activities. Each year, the committee of more than twenty works hard to tweak the event and brings back the favorite features.

Tops on the list is the Horse-drawn sleigh rides in the field next to the pond. The Lily Pond Horse Drawn Wagon and Sleighs of Piermont, NH, will provide free rides thanks to the generous memorial fund established for Ryegate children in memory of John Wessner (original owner of the Ryegate Power Station) and his daughter, Nicole Hayne.

And the Chili Cook-off begins at noon with samples of Chili and corn bread by our top cooks. For $3, taste and judge; the winner will be announced later in the day. Hot dogs are available for purchase and require you to roast on the open fire on the beach. There are free marshmallows to toast as well. Free hot chocolate made with Hatchland's chocolate milk will be provided by local dairy farmers- best you will ever taste! Coffee will be on hand to warm you as well.

Ice is reported thick and crews will work to plow and prepare the skating loop and ice fishing accesses. Never ice fished? We have well- skilled fishermen to teach you and share equipment! Bring your skates or the Wells River Library is loaning some for the day. And the hills will be alive surrounding the pond with sliding, and Blue Mountain Grangers are providing a "pull" back up the hillside for those sliding down. Cross country skiing and snow-shoeing is on the list, too- bring your own skis and the snow shoes can be borrowed! And our own pond people- the Alberghini's- are again planning to build the curling and hockey rinks, which are quite professional!

New this year is the Groton Fast Squad Ice Rescue Demonstration at 2:30 pm. Each year, they have come to insure our safety and we welcome this opportunity to educate the public and provide the venue. Parking is provided a short walk or hayride away.