75 People Enjoy 'Great Start' Sleigh Ride at Pickford's Northwoods Christian Camp

Thickly dressed in furry hats, hoods, and boots, passengers on Randy Hall's sled (front, from left) Jennie and Nico Lukkarinen of Negaunee, Samantha and Carrie Hale of Sault Ste. Marie, Nico Lukkarinen's grandmother, Hilda Lewis of Negaunee, and (back) Allie and Cass Gillhooley of Sault Ste. Marie are ready for any cold weather Saturday, January 5. Fortunately, the weather was mild, but not warm enough to melt the snow at Northwoods Christian Camp in Pickford.

Seventy-five people were carried across the snowy landscape on century-old wooden sleighs Saturday, January 5, in Northwoods Christian Camp's final sleigh ride of the season.

Offered in cooperation with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Great Start Collaborative early childhood program, the special ride brought visitors from as far as Negaunee to enjoy the snow before snowdrifts began to rapidly melt.

The event provided Great Start staff the opportunity to raise awareness of the program to improve educational and social conditions for Eastern Upper Peninsula children. Great Start workers have been interviewing local adults to see how the area's many social and educational resources can be coordinated to serve the needs of children up to age five. A report and recommendations are expected in January or February.

Northwoods Christian Camp Manager Norm Eddy (left) talks with team driver Randy Hall of Sault Ste. Marie, before he embarks with horses Bob (left) and Pete.

Fortunately for the participants, the Northwoods landscape remained blanketed under a heavy cover of snow throughout the day, allowing drivers Randy Hall and Duane Bawks to use old-fashioned wooden sleighs instead wagons to draw people over the hills. Hay wagons have been used in the past when the snow is not adequate to draw a sleigh.

The drivers and Northwoods Manager Norm Eddy estimate Northwoods has hosted winter sleigh or wagon rides for at least 15 years. Typically offered at night, the rides start in late November and continue through the New Year's holiday. Nighttime rides give participants a chance to see the lighted grounds and Nativity scene set up for Christmas.

Duane Bawks of Pickford tows a group of St. Ignace children and adults (front, from left) Luke Valletta, Whitney Matson, Olivia Wyers; (back) Melissa Matson, Tyrel Matson, Matthew Valletta, and Tonya Valletta, on a sleigh ride January 5 at Northwoods Christian Camp in Pickford.

Jingling bells on the horses added to the festive atmosphere, as did a Christmas tree and lights still decorating the Northwoods hall.

Dave Bawks and Bob Slater of Pickford assisted Mr. Eddy and the drivers with the event, serving refreshments to participants, most of whom were children.