Sledding and chili draw kids and parents to 1st Cabin Fever fest

YOUNGSTOWN

Five-year-old Liam McMahan’s day got underway with a few bumps, but that didn’t stop him from smoothly reaching the top.

“The snow is packed and the kids are having a blast,” said Liam’s father, Todd McMahan, after he nudged Liam and older son, Christopher, 11, down the hill on their sleds.

At the bottom, Liam hit a slight incline but was able to stay on his sled and extend his ride a bit farther.

The two Girard boys were among the youngsters who filled the snow-covered hill Saturday while performing a few turns and twists. Sledding also was one of the festive offerings for the first Cabin Fever Festival and Chili Cook-Off gathering at the James L. Wick Jr. Recreation Area, 1861 McCollum Road on the West Side.

The free family-oriented gathering was to give youngsters an opportunity to get out of the house and engage in festive activities to beat the winter doldrums, explained Rikki Brammer, Mill Creek MetroParks’ programs and events coordinator.

For more on the day's activities, read Sunday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.