Rainy weather may have dampened the originally scheduled Friday Night Lights, a Friday and Saturday evening fundraiser for the Kachemak Nordic Ski Club, but it didn’t dampen local skiers enthusiasm when it finally happened.
Initially set for Rogers Loop Trail on Jan. 3-4, it was rescheduled due to weather to Jan. 10-11, and moved to higher ground, the Sunset Trail, where there was a better covering of snow.
Arriving skiers and snowshoers, ranging in age from 3 into their 80s, were greeted by a tiki torch-lined trail recently groomed by Dave Brann, bright flames dancing above a bonfire built by Pete Velsko, and hot chocolate ready to be served, thanks to “Cocoa Queen” Elaine Velsko.
“There were more than 100 adults on Friday and maybe 80 on Saturday,” said Molly Brann, unsure of the number of youngsters also enjoying the evening. “I think they contributed close to $2,000 (to the club) and that helps.”
Velsko said she tried to keep track of the number of skiers by counting the number of cups of hot chocolate served, “but it was pretty constant. There was a really good turnout. With the fresh snow, it was just magical.”
McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.