Harrison Thorp 8:24 a.m.
Sunday, February 18, 2018 8:26 am

A group of ice fishermen and women enjoy the gorgeous day in style with all the comforts of home out on Milton Pond on Saturday. (Rochester Voice photos)

MILTON - Milton held its annual Winter Carnival on Saturday under a cloudless blue skies and amid balmy temps that made it a pleasure to roam the ice whether on skates, a four-wheeler or even just on foot.

The ice fishing derby - always a Winter Carnival staple - didn't attract as many entrants as organizers had hoped, but those who came enjoyed a wonderful day for angling on MTP.

Parker Desrosiers, 19 months, of Milton, catches a glimpse of a snowmobile going by, while standing next to his mom, Jackie, during the fishing derby at Milton Town Beach.

In the kids division, 14-year-old Tyler Laurent of Milton won first fish caught, a 6-inch perch, and largest fish, too, a 14¾-inch crappie.

Mirabelle Laurent, 4, won smallest-fish caught, a 5¼-inch perch.

Out on the lake several bobhouses were set up to keep folks comfy though most preferred to sit outside on the ice on lawnchairs.

Meanwhile, over at the Emma Ramsey Center, it was all about Bingo, Belgian Meadow horse-drawn wagon rides and learning about creatures great and small with Wildlife Encounter owner Derek Small and his critters.

There was also plenty of chili, hot dogs, popcorn and balloon animals to go around for everyone.

Folks of all ages got together to play some Bingo for cool prizes downstairs at the Emma Ramsey Center.

Milton Rec Director Karen Brown said she was pleased with the crowd, especially the standing room only audience for Small's wild kingdom come to Milton, including a box turtle that the children were fascinated by.

Outside the Milton Town Hall, Steve Collins from Belgian Meadows Farm in Lebanon, Maine, had a team of his Belgians at the ready giving free wagon rides around town.