BELLVILLE — Gwenn Exten-Skarie’s tiny shadow glided down the hill, silhouetted against a bright, blue sky. Clutching a ski pole, the kindergartner weaved through an obstacle course and past the finish line, where her family waited with big smiles and a giant, homemade sign.
The Snow Trails 59th Ski Carnival kicked off with the Nesquik Challenge, a time test skiing competition for children ages 9 and under.
Most of the children’s winners were still on the slopes when awards were presented, but Exten-Skarie was there to receive the second place honor in the 5 & under category.
Exten-Skarie began skiing a year ago at 4 years old. She attends Discovery School.
She said it felt good to win the award.
Skiing isn’t the only sport Exten-Skarie plays. She’ll be placing the miniature ski trophy in her bedroom next to two golf trophies she’s won at Westbrook Country Club.
“It’s a good outdoor winter activity,” said her father, John Skarie. “It’s so nice to have Snow Trails so close to Mansfield.”
Izzi Boorom won the 5 & under contest; Engelbert Gal received third place. Jacob Bonte took first place in the 6- and 7-year-old race, followed by Amelia Hamilton and Gavin Girardi. Jakob Schmidt won the 8- and 9-year-old competition, Wade Hamilton earned second place and Ridge Wendling took third.
In addition to the children’s race, the Ski Carnival also featured snowboarding, bobsledding and bikini races Saturday. It will continue into Sunday with a costume contest, cardboard creation race and the slush cup contest, among others.
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