NEWRY, Maine — The first of Nickelodeon and Sunday River’s Family Winter Festivals has been declared a “huge success” as Sunday River prepares to host an additional week plus a weekend of Nickelodeon-themed family fun on and off the slopes.

“The kids had a great time during the first week,” said Caroline Ochtera, who organized the event at Sunday River. “At the Welcome Party we had a torchlight parade, fireworks, and over 20 teams participating in the Jelly Fish Relay Race. Then the kids got to dance with SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. And that was just the beginning! It was definitely a huge success.”

Two additional Nickelodeon Family Winter Festivals are scheduled for this ski season. Each will feature live bands that have appeared on NOGGIN’s hit series “Jack’s Big Music Show,” appearances by Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants, and Nickelodeon-themed activities for the whole family, plus special Learn-to-Ski/Ride Programs from ASC’s award-winning Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard Schools.

Winter Week will take place Feb. 25-March 1, the same week many New Hampshire public schools have their winter breaks. Kids’ Snow Festival will be April 6-8. Family Winter Festivals, presented by Nickelodeon, will take place at all seven ASC resorts this season.

The Dirty Sock Funtime Band will make an appearance on Feb. 27 during Winter Week, and Hot Peas ???n Butter will grace the stage at Sunday River on April 7 during Kids’ Snow Festival. Additional activities during Nickelodeon Family Winter Festivals include torchlight parades, bounce houses, obstacle races, arts and crafts, fireworks and more.

The American Skiing Company (ASC) family of resorts has teamed up with Nickelodeon to introduce SpongeBob SquarePants skis and snowboards and Dora the Explorer skis, as well as helmets and winter accessories. These exclusive branded products from Rossignol, Giro, Chaos and Gordini are available only at ASC resorts.

“SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer skis and snowboards are sure to be a winter hit with kids and families as they head outdoors for seasonal sports and activities,” said Hal Snik, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products’ vice president of apparel, accessories & home goods.

Nickelodeon, Noggin, SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora The Explorer, Jack’s Big Music Show and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.