MOUNT CAIN—Fresh powder, sunshine, face paint, balloons and, yes, plenty of cowbell.
You could say the annual Kids Fest skiing event had it all.
More than 70 young North Islanders and their families took over the local volunteer-run ski area for the annual event, which includes slalom and obstacle-course races, snow sculpture and prizes.
Kids Fest, the last of Mount Cain's triumvirate of special events for the season, followed the Cain Cup and Telefest competitions earlier this year.
It also kicked off the ski area's nine-day Spring Break opening.
The hill will remain open for skiing daily through Sunday.
Saturday's fun began with slalom races on The Face for more experienced youngsters and on the bunny hill for the beginners.
After a break for lunch, the low clouds burned off to reveal a brilliant blue sky as kids of all ages tackled the obstacle course race.
The course included a short slalom section, jumps, a tunnel, a gantlet of poles and, finally, a sled ride under the balloon-festooned finish line, all constructed by Mount Cain Alpine Society volunteers.