It’s fairly safe to say that this past weekend saw a lot of people (and dogs) feeling “happy happy, joy joy” because it snowed. Not just a dusting, mind you, but depending on where you live, we got somewhere between five and 12 inches of white stuff. That raises the question: How is it that snowfall differs so greatly, even amongst our close neighbors?

According to the great and powerful Oz—er, I mean internet—it’s all about something referred to as “microclimates.” 

When asked, the world wide web (yep, that’s what the “www” means) informed me that “microclimate is the suite of climatic conditions measured in localized areas near the earth’s surface. These environmental variables—which include temperature, light, wind speed and moisture—provide meaningful indicators for habitat selection and other ecological activities,” it states. “Topography, large bodies of water and urban areas are three things that can create microclimates on a large scale.” Isn’t that an oxymoron?

I wouldn’t think that this means a vast difference in inches between say, Callicoon, Honesdale and Monticello, but such is the case. 

Add global warming to the equation and “wintry mix” takes on a whole new meaning. With that in mind, I use a pencil when scheduling events in the Upper Delaware River region at this time of year, since the lake close to Camp Fox might be frozen, but just across the river we could find ourselves “skating on thin ice” as it were, and therefore outdoor celebrations often fall victim to the differences that micro-climatization (is that a word?) creates. 

Confused? Ditto.

I’m not a huge fan of shoveling, but I do love a good snowfall and can often be spotted walking the happy, happy dog while photographing the natural beauty that abounds during the colder months. While I’m past sledding or skiing (not in the mood for crutches), there’s plenty of fun to please the little kid in all of us.

So with pencil in hand…

For over 30 years, the Sullivan County Conservation Club (SCCC) has presented the area’s premier ice fishing contest, and this year’s King of the Ice competition is scheduled for Sunday, February 18 on White Lake in New York. No, I don’t fish, but I love watching you all do it. 

Hats, hot chocolate, 50-50 and raffle tickets will be available at the registration site. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded for winning fishing categories: Trout, Pickerel, Perch, Crappie and Walleye. I’ll slip-n-slide on the sidelines and take pictures for you all to share.

To kick off the festival this year, in association with the SCCC the Bethel Business Association is presenting the first “Bethel Big Burn.” It’ll be held at the Alton Distillery at 2037 Route 17B. On Saturday and Sunday, January 13 and 14, we can drop off our old Christmas trees. Then on Saturday, February 17, we can enjoy live music, food, fun and what promises to be an epic bonfire. Sounds both hot and cold, so I’m in.

Sullivan County isn’t the only place in New York to host ice fishing contests, and you can locate others by visiting www.dec.ny.gov.

As for ice fishing in PA (and with that pesky micro-climate thingy in mind) Game and Fish Magazine has this to say: “The past couple of winters left most serious ice fishers across Pennsylvania in want of more. Maybe this winter we will see more and better ice.” 

There aren’t any tournaments, but Game and Fish Magazine recommends Lake Wallenpaupack (just south of Hawley) for ice fishing, and fishermen interviewed by WNEP in 2020 fished on the ice at Prompton State Park in Prompton. And Duck Harbor Pond is open to the public. Don’t forget your permit.

And for winter events, the Hideout Ski Hill, 1103 Westwood Dr., will hold a winter carnival on Saturday, February 17 in Lake Ariel.

When it comes to other New York winter events, I gotta admit, I’m excited about the 65th annual Livingston Manor Rotary Ice Carnival/Family Day, scheduled for Sunday, January 28 at Rotary Park. With fingers crossed for ideal conditions, I’m planning to photograph the carnival King and Queen, skating exhibitions and horse-and-buggy aficionados, and enjoy hot dogs, cocoa and games. It’s a great event (IMHO) and fun for all ages. Check out their Facebook page for more info. 

As mentioned, I don’t ski but thousands do, and Holiday Mountain in Monticello (NY) is “gearing up for an exciting season.” Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain in Lackawaxen (PA) serves families in Pike and Wayne counties and “provides skiing, snowboarding and tubing including rental equipment, lessons and a comfortable lodge. You’re more likely to find me in the restaurant, grill room, snack bar or country store. 

I’m already exhausted, but wait, there’s more in store for ‘24! It’s not all fun and games, and I just learned that the 98.3 WSUL Heart-A-Thon will celebrate its 46th year on Friday, February 16, from 6 a .m.to 6 p.m. at Resorts World Catskills Epicenter in Monticello, NY, and will be broadcast live on 98.3 WSUL. To date, this event has raised over $3 million locally for heart disease and I attend every year. Focusing on the prevention, education and local treatment of heart disease, the Heart-A-Thon is held indoors, so is likely (likely) to go off without a hitch. And yes, That Dog Named Gidget will be there.

Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg, so keep an eye on our calendar section and Facebook page for additional events—weather permitting. 

Ask the Google: Happy happy, what what? 

The phrase “happy happy, joy joy” originated from the animated television show “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” which premiered on August 11, 1991 on Nickelodeon. The show was created by John Kricfalusi and became known for its off-beat and often irreverent humor.