IT’S ALL DOWN HILL FROM HERE

I’ve always been drawn to lesser-known quirky events – ones that are short on sponsors but big on heart. All it takes is very dedicated volunteers and the backing of the community to host an event that often ends up among the list of “only in Pennsylvania.” The Keystone State is home to Blobfest, the Whoopie Pie Festival, Dushore’s Outhouse Races and my current favorite, Beaver County’s Snow Shovel Riding Championship.

Yes, snow shovel racing. In this age of the safety-conscious, there seems to be no sensible reason to hold a race where people sit on an implement designed to scoop up snow and fly down a 160-foot hill (of packed snow) at breakneck speeds. For the hearty folks of Beaver County, it’s not about sensibility; it’s about fun!

On Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, the 53rd annual Beaver County Snow Shovel Riding Championship will take place at Old Economy Park. Anyone, age 5 years and older, is invited to participate, but parental consent is necessary for riders under age 18. Registration will be held from 11 a.m. to noon, with racing from 12:30 to 3 p,m.

This event will be held weather permitting. It will not be postponed due to snow but for lack thereof. In the case of a postponement, up-to-date information will be posted on the Beaver County Ice Arena Facebook page.

If you go:

Where:
Old Economy Park
5 Forcey Drive
Baden, PA 15005

When:
Jan. 9, 2016
Registration begins at 11 a.m.
Racing begins at 12:30 p.m.

Contact:
Beaver County Ice Arena, Beaver Falls
724-770-2060