City readies for Mentor Chill Out!

It’s no small feat to turn Mentor Civic Center into a winter playground, but that’s just what’s happening this coming week.

Since Mentor Chill Out! was announced last month, city recreation staff have been busily at work preparing for the new event taking place Feb. 23.

An estimated 30 Mentor employees from various departments will assist in putting on the city’s first winter-themed festivities.

“Our recreation team hosts dozens of large and small events each year,” Community Relations Administrator Ante Logarusic. “They are highly experienced and know what it takes to put on a great event. They are always on the lookout for something new to offer our residents. We’re really

looking forward to seeing how the event is received.”

Mentor Chill Out! is from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will include an outdoor skating rink, toboggan slide, wagon rides, an ice sculpture garden and carving demonstrations, a human snow globe for photo opportunities, human ice bowling, murling (a version of curling), snowman-building contests, Zamboni pulls, “brain freeze” contests, an all-day opens-kate at Civic Ice Arena, a DJ, an Amphitheater light show, Cleveland Museum of Art Light Parade and fireworks.

Attendees can buy tickets to sample food from a chili cook-off, or purchase items from area food trucks. Red Eagle Distillery will offer a selection of bourbons, ryes and vodkas, and a whiskey-tasting.

The idea for the event was hatched on the heels of two successful seasons of fair-weather activities at the center.

“Since we have such a beautiful Amphitheater that brings entertainment to the community throughout the summer, we thought why not enjoy it in the winter?” said Recreation Coordinator Maggie Kuyasa.

The event is being funded with the help of sponsorships.

“Hopefully we can build from this year and make it into an annual event that the community looks forward to attending,” Kuyasa said. “Sponsorship opportunities are still available.”

She said it is hard to determine how many people might turn up.

“Being a first year, winter event you just never know,” she said. “A lot will depend on the weather. If it turns out to be mild that day, we will have alternative activities and if it turns out to be a cold one, just bundle up and join us. Either way, I guarantee you will not be disappointed!”

Admission and activities are free.

Mentor Civic Center Park is located at 8600 Munson Road. For more information, visit mentorchillout.com.

“Hopefully we can build from this year and make it into an annual event that the community looks forward to attending,” — Recreation Coordinator Maggie Kuyasa