Jammin’ Out- Winter Jam 2009
Winter Jam 2009. This year, East River Park was home to sledding and snowboarding competitions, a snow-sculpture contest, an ice-climbing wall, live music, and much more.
Winter Jam 2009
The East River Park was packed. Upon entering at about 1:45 pm, I ran into Mayor Bloomberg. He seemed happy enough, and walking into the park to Maroon 5’s “This Love” as I unzipped my jacket and turned my face to the sun, I could understand why.
For New Yorkers and anyone who knows the cost of living in the City, this event is ideal. Winter fun without the stress of how large the hole in our wallets is going to be afterwards. Free hot apple cider, and fresh red apples were handed out. I sipped the sweet cider and joined hundreds of other people to watch Shaun White, a professional snowboarder, ski down a 70 foot snow flume.
70-feet tall snow flume
The Sky Riders are men jumping on trampolines and doing flips in the air. I squeezed my way through the crowd, and joined people shoulder to shoulder to take pictures of these impressive acrobats. The East River sparkled, and I overheard people saying the same thing I was thinking, “I can’t believe this day in February!”
The Sky Riders
The event is sponsored by hip-hop radio station Hot 97, the Metro paper, and the Lower East Side Ecology Center, among many others.
Winter Jam is a perfect event for adults with young children. I was rather disappointed when I was ushered out with everyone as the event ended at 4 pm. Many people told me they had just found out about Winter Jam, and were excited to come next year. Last year’s event was in Central Park, and although I find Central Park to be a beautiful escape from busy city life, East River Park proved to be a success. A cool air coming off the river, and an unobstructed view of the sky made Winter Jam 2009 perfect.