From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., people of all experience levels can enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing, Lavelua said, adding there will be sled riding opportunities and a cardboard box sled competition.

People have been asked to bring their own sleds to the park, as the park’s number of sleds is limited, Lavelua said, adding the park has cross-country skis, snow shoes and ice fishing gear for attendees to use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beginning promptly at 10 a.m., a 5K fun run/walk will be held at the marina pavilion, but other hiking opportunities will be available throughout the day, Lavelua said. No pre-registration is required.

Depending on the weather, there will either be ice fishing demonstrations or open water fishing on Lake Glendale, Lavelua said.

Prince Gallitzin State Park's Winter Blast event is held annually at the marina, with this year's activities taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Pictured is a group of people enjoying themselves at the 2022 event. Submitted photo.

There will also be disc golf, geocaching and opportunities to learn about hunting, trapping and furs, she said, noting the Pennsylvania Game Commission will have a booth set up during the event. The Cambria County Humane Society will also have a booth area with information about animals available for adoption, Lavelua said.

Disc golf involves throwing weighted disks, which Lavelua said will be available at the park. Scoring is tracked similar to regular golf in which people see how many throws it takes to land their disks in a basket, she said.

Geocaching is an electronic treasure hunt, using a GPS unit or a cellphone to locate small prizes — stickers and toys for kids — that will be scattered throughout the park, Lavelua said.

People are also able to cozy up next to a bonfire and make a mountain pie, Lavela said. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will be provided by the Friends of Prince Gallitzin nonprofit group. There is no charge for the event, but donations will be accepted by the Friends for future improvement projects, she said.

Winter Blast has had several names over the years but has been an annual event since 2017, Lavelua said.

Prince Gallitzin State Park rangers demonstrate ice fishing at the park during a previous Winter Blast event. Submitted photo

Cambria County Commissioner Tom Chernisky said he’s been in attendance every year and is looking forward to this year’s activities.

Chernisky used to participate in the 5K run every year until he had two knee surgeries in separate years. But now he enjoys meeting and talking with people and watching the park rangers interact with kids about the safety of ice fishing, he said.

“I look forward to all of it,” Chernisky said, noting the activities promote outdoor recreation, a $19 billion industry in Pennsylvania.

Prince Gallitzin State Park is a regional asset and the third most-visited state park in the commonwealth, Chernisky said, adding he enjoys meeting people from outside the region at events like Winter Blast.

“It’s not just that one day, but that one day is a way to bring people together and they come back again,” Chernisky said.

Prince Gallitzin State Park's Winter Blast event features a number of winter-related activities for all age groups to enjoy. The park has some cross-country skis, snow shoes and ice fishing gear, but attendees have been asked to bring their own sleds if they want to go sledding. Submitted photo

“I’ve got a lot of good memories of their winter blast and I hope it continues,” he said. “I’m looking forward to stopping out, showing support and being part of the festivities.”

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.

If you go

What: Winter Blast

Where: Prince Gallitzin State Park, 966 Marina Road. All activities are held at the marina.

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14

Cost: Free and open to the public. Refreshments, hot dogs and hot chocolate, will be available for purchase from the Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park nonprofit group. All proceeds made are donated to the park for improvement projects.

Activities: 5K fun run, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing demonstrations or open water fishing, sled riding, geocatching, disc golf and more. Attendees have been asked to bring their own sleds. The park has cross country skis, snow shoes and ice fishing gear for people of all experience levels to use.