All of the snow that blanketed Mid-Michigan in late December, early January brought to mind some good memories for Danny LaPoint. He recalled building sledding hills at Olivet Schools some 15 years ago.

He decided the recent snowfall provided the perfect opportunity to relive some of those memories. Only this time he figured he could give his sledding hills a more centralized location, working with his crew to form sledding hills at the city baseball park.

Once finished, he invited community members to come and enjoy a sledding party. He enlisted the help of the Olivet Lions Club, which provided hot dogs and hot chocolate.

“The results were outstanding,” said Olivet Lions Club member, Sharon Powell. “Close to 100 area residents braved the cold and came out to enjoy an afternoon on the slopes.”

The event was so successful, LaPoint plans to keep the fun going. He has planned another community sledding event, this time under the lights. The event will take place at the city ballpark at 9 p.m.

“I wanted to gear this one towards the older kids, maybe 10 or 12 and up,” LaPoint said. “We’re going to turn on the lights and make it a wonderful evening.”

LaPoint said the evening event will also feature a couple bonfires, a warming tent near the Olivet Fire Department, chili and sloppy joes.

“People should feel free to bring a dish to pass or some cookies,” LaPoint said. “All are more than welcome.”Olivet sledding