Perfect day for snowfest in Richards Landing (20 photos)

Mother Nature delivered a perfect winter day served with a side of sunshine and reasonable temperature for organizers at the Second Annual Snowfest.

Residents of all ages gathered at Tranter Memorial Park and ice rink taking part in an afternoon of winter activities while raising funds for much needed medical equipment.

The Township of St. Joseph and the North Shore Health Network Auxiliary, Richards Landing Matthews Site partnered for the afternoon event raising $474 in personal donations. 

Winter events included snow sculptures, skating, snowshoeing, a tractor-driven hayride and a light lunch.

Auxiliary volunteers thanked the many volunteers and their generous sponsors. 

Members of the North Shore Health Network Auxiliary, Richards Landing Matthews Site are raising money for the purchase of a $30,000 defibrillator. 

In addition to Friday's event, the auxiliary also received about $1,100 from corporate sponsors.

Judges Maria Smith and Peggy Chapman determined the winning teams from the 13 sculpture entries. 

"There were a lot of good sculptures, we were very impressed (it was) a nice improvement from last year," Smith said adding the weather was perfect. 

Judges looked for uniqueness and thinking outside the box. Prizes were awarded to the top three most impressive sculptures. Winners: First place, Team Sharp,  Second place, Pet Cats and Third place, Team Thumpity Thump.

Township organizer, Sherie Gladu said she can foresee the winter event continuing.

"It was good for them and for us," Gladu said.

Last year, the township hosted its inaugural event through funds available from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge but that program now has ended. 

"We thought it was such a fun event for families last year we wanted to continue regardless this year," she said.

Gladu was approached by hospital auxiliary member, Sandy MacIntyre, expressing interest in hosting some sort of event for the auxiliary.

"So I said why don't we team up and work together," Gladu said. "It's a little bit bigger and better and it has worked out great."

Sponsors have been fantastic she said. 

"We were able to offer all the food and drink for free to all the families," Gladu added. "Though we (organizers) asked for a donation if it was possible, it was not necessary. There was no barriers, it was free to come out and enjoy. Whether you had money or not this is an event for everyone."

For Gladu, personal highlights included a number of, firsts; two children (7 and 10 years old) skated for the first time, a four-year-old youngster snowshoed for the first time, a number of adults built snow sculptures for the first time, and there were a number of residents who visited the rink for the first time.

"There were people who have lived here (St. Joseph Island) for 20 and 30 years have never been to Tranter Park as well auxiliary members that showcased this awesome facility we have here in Richards Landing and it's free to use," Gladu said. 

Ideas will be discussed at a future date regarding plans for next year.

"I cannot see why we can't do it next year," Gladu added. "I am very pleased. We lucked out with the weather, that's huge."

Auxiliary chair, Joan Clute, said due to the age of the equipment, a new defibrillator is needed at the Richards Landing hospital.

"The problem is the batteries," Clute said, confidently adding the existing defibrillator will last until funds are raised.

Funds collected from the Richards Landing Community Night (July) will be added and the auxiliary is hopeful the defibrillator will be installed by the end of summer.