Cloaked in a fresh cover of early winter snow,
a spectacular solitude fi lled the frosted
woodlands and high bluffs of Ponca State Park.
But the stillness didn't last long.
Footprints and fruitcakes soon lined the
frozen ground during the pinnacle event of
the season known as Winterfest, a celebration
that encourages guests to rekindle wintertime
traditions – as well as create new ones – in
the great outdoors, specifi cally at Nebraska
state parks, during a season that many don't
consider a prime time to go outdoors.
During the Fruitcake Fling competition, visitors
were invited to toss loaves baked with millet
and sunfl ower seeds, which doubled as a gift
of food to the feathered residents of the 2,400-
acre park.
Under a stone shelter, the steam of mulled
cinnamon cider rose from the cups of
competitors, keeping warm with wassail
before competing in a series of challenges on
a quest to locate the yule log, a traditional
custom in European culture adapted to include
an obstacle course and kindling hunt for kids.
Later in the evening, revelers gathered around
a bonfi re for more cider and stew.
While the bonfi re smoke faded into the night
sky amid the glow of decorative lights, smiles
radiated from those still lingering, many of
whom already planned to attend again the next
year.
And so the tradition continues. ●
Winterfest Helps Families Make Traditions at
Nebraska's State Parks
2014 Annual Report • Nebraska Game and Parks Commission 43
