Winter: Tis The Season Of Hibernation...Or Recreation!

By: Susan Harper

It was nearly 65 degrees in Morgantown on February 7^th, practically a heat wave considering the frigid conditions we’ve been braving this winter. Normally one would be ecstatic for such warm weather, but not this weekend. It was the day of the Coppers Rock Winter Festival!

Rolling down the drive of the Coppers Rock State Forest exit, you would have thought you had entered Narnia. From treetops to tree roots, a blanket of pure white snow coated the cold, hard ground. You would never have guessed it was so bare only miles away from the beautiful winter wonderland.

In celebration of Coppers Rock’s natural resources, people from near and far stopped on by to participate in and support those competing in the festival’s winter activities. From the Cross Country Ski Sprint of 1,000 feet to the Skiers Slingshot Paintball Biathlon, not a frown was in sight for everyone was too busy having fun.

As the day came winding down, the Women’s Frying Pan Toss came rolling in to top off as the last event. Women of all ages were welcomed to participate in the friendly battle to win the honorable prize. A glimmering golden frying pan would be given to the winner who could throw the frying pan furthest from her competitors.

A few tosses into the game and the unthinkable happened.  The frying pan used for the competition bearded it’s last toss until it broke into pieces, but the show had to go on. The trophy frying pan was sacrificed in order to finish the event we all had been waiting for.

After many tosses and exerting grunts, a new 2015 winner had reigned in first place. Amanda Mates won the prize of one bruised, scuffed up yet distinguished golden frying pan to hang up on her kitchen wall.  

The festival could not have gone any smoother on such a fun filled and adventurous day. The Coopers Rock Winter Festival fulfilled it’s duties of bringing folks together and proving that there is so much fun to be had outside, surrounded by the earth’s natural resources, even in the winter!


Founded in 1989, The Coopers Rock Foundation strives to promote preservation and recreation in the Coopers Rock and Snack Hill woodland districts. Check out The Coopers Rock official website at www.coopersrock.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities as well as ways to explore this outdoors playground!