Mac 'n cheese in wonderland

By Frances Ruth Harris
MILFORD — Steaming bowls of chili and mac 'n cheese thawed spirits at last week's Winter Lights Festival.

What didn't thaw quickly enough was the snow that fell on Saturday, which turned Milford into a real-deal winter wonderland. But it shut down the festival and made it impossible to clear the ice for skating, said Michael Carson, the festival's producer and director.

All other scheduled plans for Saturday froze as the storm roared through — except for the always great mac n’ cheese and chili competition at the Dimmick Inn, which warmed hearts and tummies. For $5, you could taste 12 varieties of mac ‘n cheese, and chilis made with venison, beef, and sausage. Each taster voted for their favorites.

On Sunday, when Milford found the ice waiting under the snow, it was game on. Zumba dancers got pumping, and the ice skaters set to twirling. The Frozen Feet Dancers — Alizah Allen, Laura Ludell, Tara Nicole Stamm, Katie Mangeardi, and Jordan Hartey — spun to the sounds of 1928's "The Drowsy Chaperone," Bach's Prelude in G Minor, Elvis' "I Can't Help Falling in Love with You," Nina Simone's "Sinneman," and Sara Bareilles' "Winter Song," which goes, in part:

I still believe in summer days.

The seasons always change
And life will find a way.

Ill be your harvester of light
And send it out tonight

So we can start again.