The Grand Forks Greenway Ski Days took place Saturday, thanks to freshly fallen snow, after being postponed twice.
The two sledding hills at Lincoln Drive Park were full of sled tracks by the end of the day, as people young and old used saucers, sleds, skis and even cardboard boxes to make the short trip down the hill. Several other activities and events were planned throughout the day, including complimentary skate and cross-country ski rentals from the Ski and Bike Shop of Grand Forks.
"It's been 15 years since I've had a different pair of skis," said Gary Toren of Alvarado, Minn. "It's a good way to try out a new pair."
Dan Ruttenber, an Air Force pilot originally from Florida who recently moved to Grand Forks, decided to jump right into winter.
"I've never, ever done this. Figured might as well try it," Ruttenber said. "A good way to get out and have fun in the snow."
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A couple with their 6-month-old puppy named Princess scooted out onto the ice rink with a tennis ball while getting some exercise.
"We just got done taking her sledding," Graham Monteith said. "It's good exercise for her, jumping through all the snow."
A chili feed, sled races and sleigh rides were scheduled throughout the day.
Cliff Schulz worked alongside Bob Baird and LeRoy Vonasek harnessing his team of black Percheron horses for sleigh rides through the Greenway.
"If we could just shut the wind down, it'd be great," Vonasek said.
Lynne Roche, a recreation programmer for the Grand Forks Park District, said the event's turnout was somewhat surprising.
"It's been great. I think we've had twice as many people as last year," she said.
All of the new snow was perfect for skiing, and many of the attendees took advantage of the eight miles of freshly groomed trails.
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"There's a lot of residents who haven't tried out the trails yet, so this event gives them a chance to come out and see what we have," Roche said.
Herald staff writer Kyle Johnson contributed to this report. Reach Nagel at (701) 780-1262, (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or anagel@gfherald.com
