Parks Dept. offers programs to keep residents warm and happy

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department is offering a number of special programs to help warm residents’ hearts and minds this fall and winter.

During December, January and February local residents can have fun building a snowman, snow sculpture or snow creature and submitting a photo to be judged by the Park Board in March.

Entry can be as an individual, family or group. Categories are Best Snowman, Best Snow Creature and Best Snow Sculpture (anything but the other two categories). Entry period is Dec. 1 to March 1. Awards will be presented at the Thursday, March 6 Park Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

While taking a break to warm up from snow sculpting, residents can join in the park’s Santa’s Sled Challenge X2 by building their own version of Santa’s Sled out of gingerbread cookies. All ingredients, house and decorations must be edible.

While you are at it why not build Santa’s sled out of Legos as well. Entries must be carried into City Hall, displayed all day and judged at the monthly Park Board meeting. Creations can be delivered to City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 3-5 p.m. or Thursday, Dec. 6 from 8-9:30 a.m. Judging will be at City Hall on Thursday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Join the Parks and Recreation Department on Saturday, Dec. 7 at City Hall for the Brickmania: Lego Christmas Party. There will be some special holiday Lego displays and dioramas, including those entered in the Brickmania: “Santa’s Sled” Contest.

The event offers an opportunity to free-build with the department’s collection of building blocks piled high on the floor or assembling varying kits located throughout City Hall. “Build your own” mini-figures and “Decorate a Lego Santa Claus Cookie” with treats and drinks. A free will donation will be collected.

Again, this year, the Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a special connection to the North Pole so area youth can talk to Santa Claus about their Christmas wishes. Registration forms will be available at City Hall. Calls will be made on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is due before Dec. 6.

Breakfast with The Grinch is scheduled for 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Putnam Inn. The group will take photos with The Grinch and make some crafts.

Because seating is limited to 40 seats, preregistration is required, and all registered children must be accompanied by at least one registered adult. Register by Friday, Dec. 6.

Persons may sign up for all the Parks and Recreation Department programs on the website: greencastleparks.com under the programs tab.

For more information or to sign up, go to GreencastleParks.com or contact the Assistant Director Chrysta Snellenberger at 653-3395.