Winter Rules

Spring is coming soon, but winter does have one last hurrah.

Last weekend was Winter Fest, an amazing event wherein Yuriy Gusev, an amazing event planner and promoter, turns the Capitol Square into a nordic ski course.

Over 20,000 people come to Winter Fest, to race, to watch, and to celebrate the idea of winter.

There were children everywhere…and of course, the mascot, Gentle Ben, who I believe, in a previous incarnation, was the Hamm’s Bear.  From the land of sky blue waters, I suppose.  I outfitter Mr. Ben in a pair of Alaskan snowshoes.  It works.

I spent some time demonstrating traditional snowshoe building, and one young lady in particular was transfixed.  She didn’t take her eyes off the snowshoes for quite a while, and I could see gears turning in her head.  I asked her if she wanted to do some weaving.  She nodded silently and I got her started.

Sophie picked up the idea quickly. She didn’t speak much; she was focused on the task at hand, and with an occasional correction, she finished a tail section.  There was obvious pride.

I love teaching kids, especially ones as bright and curious as Sophie. Her parents had the foresight to name her wisdom. Her father watched her, smiled, shook his head and said, “She’s always like this.”  Like this, meaning she loves to learn new things.

I am thankful for children like Sophie, and in her hands the future of the world is safe.

Now, everyone; join hands, close your eyes and repeat after me:

Spring is coming.

[Spring is coming.]

Snow is banished.

[Snow is banished.]

It’s time for paddling.

[It’s time for paddling.]

That should do it.

Respectfully submitted,

Canoelover