January feels like stepping into a snow globe, with frosty air, sparkling snow, and chilly adventures all around. The days may be cold and short, but they’re perfect for bundling up and heading outside for sledding, snowball fights, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and snowman-building. Even if the icy sidewalks and frozen fingers can be a hassle, there’s something magical about watching snowflakes drift from the sky or feeling the crunch of snow under your boots. Here are some events happening in our communities and beyond:

Mark your calendars for the Annual Youth Ice Fishing Tournament hosted by Smugglers Nob Rod & Gun Club. This event will take place on Sunday, February 2 from 8 AM - 2 PM on Mitchell Pond in Cochecton, NY. Parents, please bring all of the kids for a fun-filled day of ice fishing. All kids fish for free. Food and beverages for all kids who participate. All children will be eligible for prizes. Fishing regulations will be in accordance with NYDEC. Fishing access will be located at 175 Mitchell Pond West Road. Transportation will be provided by club members. No outside ATV/UTVs. Please contact Harold “Boomer” Russell at 845-583-6602 or Kevin Esselman at 845-932-7829 for any questions.

There will be a free youth ice fishing derby on January 25, 2025, from 9 AM – 2 PM (weather and ice permitting) at Ten Mile River Boy Scouts Crystal Lake. Free refreshments, bring your own tip-ups and bait. Augers will be there to drill holes. Free prizes for all youngsters, trophies to age 15. For more information, call Ray Otto at 908-797-3400.

Sullivan County Conservation Club proudly presents King of the Ice on February 16, 2025, on White Lake/Kauneonga Lake. The event runs from 6 AM – 3 PM with awards and prizes to follow. Up to $2000 total cash and prizes. Registration, weigh-in, and awards will take place at the White Lake Firehouse. Complete rules/details can be found at www.sullivancountyconservationclub.org.

Mark your calendars for March 22, 2025, for a Tricky Tray at the Lake Huntington Firehouse benefitting the Cochecton Volunteer Ambulance Corp and the SWCSD Class of 2025. Donations needed.

2025 Red Dog Football and Cheer Registration is underway! In-person registration is taking place on January 25th from 9 AM – 12 PM at the Roscoe School or February 15th at the Livingston Manor School from 9 AM – Noon. There is a mail-in registration option available as well. Email Sarah at reddogsorganization@gmail.com for more information.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. Catch me online at www.everafterinthewoods.com for delicious recipes too!