NEW YORK CITY, New York — Parks & Recreation plans to cure New Yorkers of cabin fever with its annual winter festival??”Winter Jam 2007. On Saturday, February 10, 2007, winter sport enthusiasts of all ages will gather in Central Park to swish, slide and savor an array of winter activities. The event is free and open to the public from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Thursday, February 8, 2007, get pumped for Saturday’s winter fun at the pre-event when snowboarding pros show off their skills at Union Square Street Sessions’ professional rail jam.

“Thousands of New Yorkers look to their City parks as a place to run, bike and relax but many may forget how much our parks have to offer in the winter,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Right in the center of New York City, Winter Jam 2007 in Central Park and Union Square Street Sessions will expose residents to all of the wonderful sports that winter has to offer. From ice sculpting to snowshoeing to what might be one of the rarest sights in a city??”snowboarding rail jams for both professionals and amateurs??”this year’s festival offers something to bring the entire family out of hibernation.”

“New York is an unbelievable state for winter activities. We at the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) based in Lake Placid, are proud to work with NYC Parks & Recreation in presenting this year’s event,” said ORDA President and CEO Ted Blazer. “Thanks to Gore and Hunter Mountain’s efforts, the “Snowmaking in the Park” is just a small example of what all NY ski areas have to offer. There is a lot of winter left and our slopes have just what you are looking for. We hope the event in Central Park will get you in the mood to ski or snowboard right in your own back yard??В¦.along New York State’s I-87 corridor.”

At Central Park’s Winter Jam, amateur snowboarders will take to the rails during the second annual Rail Jam Open. The snowboarder-acrobat troupe Flying Ace All-Stars will also fly and flip through the air during their trampoline show. There will be live performances by Geffen recording artist Matt White, celebrity DJ Mark Ronson, and rising hip hop star, Jibbs. Kids can enjoy all sorts of fun including a snow igloo, arts and crafts, and a “bridge to the future” inspired by New Line Cinema’s The Last Mimzy (opening March 23, 2007). There will also be an Olympic luge display, ice sculpture demos, free Dunkin Donuts hot chocolate to keep you warm, treats for sale at the Winter Greenmarket, and more.

If Mother Nature permits (and the temperature is 32*F or below), Central Park’s Dead Road will be filled fresh snow and we will offer some additional snowy sports such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horse drawn sleigh rides, and winter gear demos.

This event is sponsored by the ORDA, Gore Mountain, and Hunter Mountain, as well as Backpacker magazine, Naked Juice, Dunkin Donuts, Seventeen magazine, a New Line Cinema Release??”The Last Mimzy, the New York Post, NY State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Cabot Cheese.