By Mary O’KEEFE

Yes, on Saturday it was 70 degrees Fahrenheit. And yes, kids were in shorts, flip-flops and T-shirts. But that doesn’t mean there wasn’t enough snow to sled on – after all, this is Southern California.

Saturday may have been the first Winter Wonderland at Two Strike Park in La Crescenta, but judging by the attendance and the smiles, it won’t be the last.

“It’s going really well,” said Abel Garnica, Recreational Services supervisor, Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation. Garnica estimated that about 800 people came to the event, which is many more than he thought would participate since it was the first year.

For the inaugural event, the plan was to fulfill every holiday wish list item. There were bounce houses and inflatable games, booths with items for sale for holiday shoppers, a stage filled with a young choir singing Christmas songs, decorated trees that were given away to lucky audience members and, of course, Santa Claus and free cookies. But the big draw was the snow – some to play in and some to sled on.

The line for sledding was solid for several hours while snowballs went flying nearby. It really was a Winter Wonderland, despite the bright sun and warm temperatures.

The event was made possible through support from Los Angeles County  Board Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

  Mary Okeefe