Winterfest, 1st Day Hike planned at Ponca State Park

PONCA — Ponca State Park has two great wintertime events backto- back New Year’s Weekend. It’s the 11th annual Winterfest and 1st Day Hike.

On Saturday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve it’s Winterfest! At 10:00 AM, enjoy an outdoor education program provided by the Ponca State Park Naturalist team.

Then at high noon it’s the National Championship Fruitcake Fling, where guests of all ages throw wildlife friendly fruitcakes and compete for distance.

Prizes are awarded in four age categories. Close behind the Fruitcake Fling is the Yule Log Quest scheduled for 2:00 PM. During the Yule Log Quest, guests form teams of 3-5 members with a very creative name. The Yule Log Quest begins with 5 minute-to-win-it challenges followed by 5 clues that will ultimately lead you to where the Yule Log is hidden. Once found by all teams, a horse and sleigh will pull the Yule Log from its hiding spot and take it to the bonfire where the winning team will have the honor of cutting off a section of the Yule Log; then they along with the Winter Sprite will place the cut section on the bonfire, bringing good will to all in the coming year.

At 5 p.m., it’s lighted hayrack rides traveling from the center to the tristate, towers of time, and back to the center.

On New Year’s Day, January 1st, it’s 1st Day Hike with guided hikes on the Old Oak Trail running 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, followed by a warm fire and hot cocoa in the West Shelter house. Children and canines are welcome to attend. Dress for the weather and bring your binoculars or camera.

All Winterfest and 1st Day Hike activities are family friendly and free.

Prizes will be awarded during the National Championship Fruitcake Fling and Yule Log Quest. Pre-register your Yule Log Quest team, as space is limited.

With all this going on, it’s a great time to spend the weekend or the day, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, New Year’s Day Weekend at Ponca State Park for the 11th annual Winterfest and 1st Day Hike.