Deep Freeze Days set to help stop cabin fever on Feb. 24-25
As the winter wind blows and cabin fever sets in officials with the Newton YMCA and City of Newton Parks and Recreation Department are organizing Deep Freeze Days to help Central Iowans get over the winter blues.The two days of recreational and family-friendly events are planned on Feb. 24 and 25, at the YMCA, 1701 S. Eighth Ave. and the Newton Arboretum, 3000 N. Fourth Ave. E.
“The event is aimed at helping get people out and active during the long winter stretch,” said Nathan Unsworth, City of Newton Parks and Recreation Administrative Superintendent. “We hope people will see the value of getting out of the house and being a part of something fun.”
Unsworth, along with YMCA Sports Director Sarah Swanson and YMCA Membership Director Jessica Lowe, have been planning, fundraising and promoting the event since November to help garner excitement and get Central Iowans to make the drive to Newton.
“We believe that with a two day event like Deep Freeze Days people will come on Friday and stay for Saturday,” Unsworth said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the community, the parks and the Y.”
The events include a volleyball tournament and a doubles racquetball tournament both beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the YMCA.
Saturday kicks off with a pancake breakfast at the Y hosted by the Newton Noon Kiwanis from 8-10 a.m.
Runners can work up a sweat and stay warm in the Kiddie Popsicle 1K/Jack Frost 5K beginning at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. respectively. All proceeds from the race will be going to the Newton Fourth of July Fireworks fund.
In addition to the breakfast and race, the YMCA will be the host of a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for elementary students to adults. The tournament is set to begin at 10 a.m.
“Deep Freeze Days is about fun competition,” said Swanson, who is organizing the sports tournaments with the help of Jeff Maki, YMCA board member and co-sponsor through Clemon-Maki Insurance of Newton. “Individuals of all skill sets can participate. Kids to adults can sign up and participate.”
For those wanting to get outdoors, The Parks Department will be hosting the free Winter Olympics from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Newton Arboretum and Agnes Patterson Park . The games include a snowman building contest, snowball tournament and a 2-man “dog” sled race. Project AWAKE, the non-profit that maintains the Newton Arboretum, also is hosting a Checkers Tournament for all ages from 1-4 p.m at the Arboretum . Cost for the tournament is $5, and prizes will be handed out to the winners. During the Winter Olympics and checkers tournament Project AWAKE will be selling snacks. All proceeds from the checkers tournament and snack stand will benefit Project AWAKE in their mission to beautify Newton’s landscape.
If weather permits, the non-profit group Jasper County Conservation Board will have naturalists on hand to give cross country skiing and snowshoeing demonstrations in the park. Equipment rental is $10 per person and will be used to help support the JCCB in their efforts to conserve and promote Jasper County’s natural resources.
Deep Freeze Days will wrap with a Winter Magic Show from 3-4 p.m. The award-winning magician Jonathan May will perform his family-friendly comedy magic act at the Newton YMCA. Cost is just $4 per person and tickets can be purchased at the door.
Deep Freeze Days is a collaborative effort supported by the Newton Parks and Recreation Department, Newton YMCA, Project AWAKE, Clemon-Maki Insurance, Fitness Sports, Newton Noon Kiwanis, Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, Newton Wal-Mart and the Jasper County Conservation Board. All proceeds from the two-day event will remain in Jasper County supporting the non-profit organizations participating in Deep Freeze Days.
“Deep Freeze Days is about more than just recreation, it’s about supporting some great organizations like the parks system, the Y, Kiwanis, Project AWAKE and the Conservation Board,” Lowe said. “Not too often can you participate in an event that supports so many organizations at once.”
The first 200 to register for an event will receive a retro Deep Freeze Days stocking cap. For registration forms, fees and a complete schedule, visit www.newtonymca.org or stop by the Newton YMCA or Parks and Recreation Department to register.
“We are hoping it will be a huge success and are looking into having a summer time festival as well,” Unsworth said.
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