Lombard Winter Carnival celebrates any weather

Winter isn't much of a carnival, unless you find ways to celebrate nature's mostly dormant season.

One way is to savor marshmallow and chocolate-suffused s'mores while clutching a mug of hot chocolate. Another is to revel in the exhilaration of feeling a rush of cold air hit your face as you speed down a snowy slope.

Depending on how this week's weather patterns shape Saturday's outlook, these could be among the activities available for visitors to the Lombard Park District's Winter Carnival, set for Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Sunset Knoll Recreation Center. Admission is free.

"If it snows, people can actually grab a sled and go sledding," said Meri Niehaus, park district program manager.

If it isn't too cold, she said, an outdoor fire pit will double as a marshmallow-toasting station. And a Gold Medal Express train will chug through Sunset Knoll Park carrying children and adults.

"The little kids love it," she said.

But even if snow is a no show, or the cold is too daunting, a variety of indoor activities will be available for carnival-goers.

"We have a balloon artist, a face painter and another entertainer," Niehaus said.

Materials such as markers, foam and stickers will be provided so visitors can easily fashion non-messy craft projects.

"We'll have an easy project that parents can sit down with their kids and do, without glue or paint," she said.

Carnival games will include "cover the spot," "plinko," and "frog hop."

"We'll give out little prizes - pencils, bouncy balls, paper, toys and candy," Niehaus said.

The games appeal to all ages, Niehaus said.

"I've seen the parents jump in and play," she said.

Niehaus said no registration is required and visitors may come and go anytime during the two-and-a-half hour event, which is one of the park district's most popular winter events, she said.

"Last year, we had about 500 people and it was snowing," she said. "For our size building, it's perfect."

If you go

What: Winter Carnival

When: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4

Where: Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard

Admission: Free, no registration required

Info: (630) 620-7322 or lombardparks.com