COLDWATER, MI — The crowds at Winterfest in Heritage Park braved the bitter cold on Saturday, Jan. 24, for the cardboard sled race, but other activities moved inside the Browne Recreation Center.
The temperature was 0 degrees at the 10 a.m. start. By the time the last cardboard sled raced down Kiwanis Hill, it had warmed to 4 degrees under bright sun.
“It was lots of fun,” coordinator Ray Sebastian said. Cash prizes were awarded in three age groups. All the races took less than an hour.
Sebastian said delaying the race was not an option, with no open dates until mid-February and unpredictable weather.
The cold kept participation to 28 sleds.
Sleds were judged on the most spectacular based on creativity, color, and artistic value, and another category for best use of materials based on attractiveness, sturdiness, and functionality. Race results are determined by distance traveled.
2026 Cardboard Sled Race Results
Class I – Ages 8 & Under
Most Spectacular
Best Use of Materials
Race Results
Class II – Ages 9–17
Most Spectacular
Best Use of Materials
Race Results
Class III – Adults & Teams
Most Spectacular
1st place – $100: Kiwanis Club of Coldwater
Best Use of Materials
Race Results
Service Club Challenge
Winner: Kiwanis Club of Coldwater — 250.1 feet
This is the first year the Coldwater Noon Club has not won.
Other events were moved inside the Browne Recreation Center or canceled due to the Arctic freeze. Wind chills dropped below zero.
Recreation Department Director Julie Santure said families who attended enjoyed the four-hour event. Winterfest moved from downtown to the park in 2023.
Santure canceled horse-drawn wagon rides and sled-dog demonstrations due to concerns for animals in extreme cold.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: See the winners from Saturday’s Winterfest cardboard sled races
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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