Community gathers for carnival

Thursday, March 4, 2010

David Soha, of Ice Breakers, LLC, and Merrimack residents Liz and Alex Morin, enjoy the ice sculpture masterpiece during the Merrimack winter carnival at Wasserman Park on Feb. 20. Photo by Kelly Valluzzi.

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The Roth, Gawthorp and Goodspeed families -- all of Merrimack -- enjoy a day of ice fishing during the Merrimack winter carnival at Wasserman Park Feb. 20. Photo by Kelly Valluzzi.

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David Soha, of Ice Breakers, LLC, and Merrimack residents Liz and Alex Morin, enjoy the ice sculpture masterpiece during the Merrimack winter carnival at Wasserman Park on Feb. 20. Photo by Kelly Valluzzi.

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MERRIMACK – Hundreds of Merrimack residents came out to enjoy the beautiful sunny day that marked the 18th annual Winter Carnival at Wasserman Park on Feb. 20.

Despite the lack of snow, people took advantage of the ice fishing derby, playing at the “Norma French Playground” and visiting with the many Merrimack community organizations that were on display in the function hall.

Residents were also captivated by the talent of ice sculptor David Soha of Ice Breakers LLC.

Soha worked diligently throughout the day and turned a block of ice into a beautiful train sculpture, which he named the “Wasserman Wail Woad.”

The annual children’s ice fishing derby, hosted by the Merrimack Lions Club, was a huge hit with families. The lake was a winter wonderland scattered with children waiting patiently for the fish to take the bait. Many prizes were awarded to the devoted fishers.

Those searching for delicious Girl Scout cookies hit the jackpot with Troop 20113. The Scouts not only offered cookies, but did beautiful designs on the faces of many happy children.

Anthony C. Varga, band director with the Merrimack Concert Association, provided musical entertainment throughout the day, and Pete Desmarais’ students from the Independent Karate School impressed the crowd with a demonstration of karate techniques.

Many Merrimack community organizations shared information and increased public awareness about their projects.

Watson Park Committee members Barbara Watson and Jackie Flood displayed a map of the finalized plans for the park, which could open this spring following final state approval. A framed map is on display at Swan Chocolates for anyone who missed it.

Representatives from the Merrimack Right Riders, Southern New Hampshire Flying Eagles, Merrimack Conservation Commission, Horse Hill Nature Preserve, Merrimack Concert Association and Merrimack Garden Club shared displays and had volunteers available to answer questions and provide information.

“It’s great that Merrimack has events like this,” said Dr. Tony Lowenberg, of Merrimack Family Chiropractic. “These events bring a great sense of community, and that is why we are here.”

Lowenberg, a member of the Merrimack Chamber of Commerce, is working closely with the chamber and the Merrimack Rotary Club to bring cardboard boat races back to the community.

Participants included Chris Wright from Faith Episcopal Church; the Merrimack CrimeLine, which will host a magic show at Wasserman Park on April 10 to support the Merrimack Police K9 program; members of the Merrimack Rotary Club, who were raising awareness and funds to support the Kids Kove rebuilding project; members of Merrimack Friends and Family, who offered their famous chili and shared information on their upcoming Easter projects with the town’s Welfare Department and the March 27 Easter Egg Hunt with the parks department; and Cheryl Pearsall, Donna Przbyszewski and Linda Haskell from the Merrimack Lioness Club, who participated to raise money for their Merrimack High School scholarship fund, awarded annually to a student who will focus their studies on community service.

The Merrimack Police Department helped with traffic control and visitor safety.