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LEICESTER, Mass. — With unsafe conditions on area lakes and ponds, the 8th Annual Ice Derby to benefit the Barton Center/Camp Joslin has been cancelled, according to event coordinator Dan Kenney.
"It’s with sincere sadness that I announce the cancellation of the Camp Joslin Ice Derby on Long Pond," said Kenney.
The ice derby was to be held on Feb. 18, on Long Pond in Rutland.
"As you know, the safety of the participants and spectators is always our first priority. Due to the mild winter, DCR and the Environmental Police have rescinded my permits to host the ice derby," he explained.
The Barton Center/Camp Joslin runs programs in the summer that combine camping, sports and other activities while providing diabetes education and support to children with diabetes, and their families.
Each year, the charity event helps raise about $10,000 for families who otherwise would not be able to afford sending their children to summer camp, in addition to purchasing items such as fishing gear, row boats, canoes, kayaks and other water sports equipment for the campers to enjoy while attending camp.
"The ice derby may not take place this year, however, the work provided by Barton Center/Camp Joslin will continue," Kenney added. "I encourage you to go to
my website (www.gofishdan.com) and donate to the Barton Center."
(Click the Barton button and refer to the ice derby when you donate.)
"For those of you who have generously donated product to the derby or still intend to, your contribution will be used to raise funds in the future or it’ll be given to the Barton Center for their annual raffle," he stated.
