Hundreds of folks from Putnam and beyond made their way to the Brewster and Southeast area Monday to enjoy the day off by taking advantage of winter sports.
At Thunder Ridge Ski Area on Route 22 in Patterson, nearly all the trails were open, and they accommodated about 900 people throughout the day, according to owner Mary Conklin.
"We had a busy weekend," she said. "The lesson program was really hopping ... Ski school really filled up."
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Washington's Birthday are bustling times at the mountain. Monday's turnout was a "little lighter" than two years ago, but better than last year, Conklin said, adding that when folks don't see snow outside, they are less likely to go skiing or snowboarding—even if snow machines are doing the job.
Cold-weather lovers of all ages enjoyed the conditions this weekend. They came from Long Island and New York City, as well as out-of-state. And of course, plenty of local folks were there, too.
"They're our bread and butter," Conklin said.
A few minutes away, at the Brewster Ice Arena on Fields Lane in Southeast, another few hundred people came out for some winter fun. Owner Steve Santini was pleased with the number of skaters on the ice.
"For us, our busy season is the holiday week in December through early March," he said, adding that his customers range in age, from 3 and 4-year-olds to teens to young adults and beyond.
How did you spend MLK, Jr. Day? Did you volunteer and spend some time in the community? Or maybe you enjoyed some family time while watching the inauguration. Whatever it is, be sure to tell us in the attached comments section.
