EVANSTON — An aerator fountain is a critical need for the Bear Ice Ponds, as it helps to combat unwanted algae buildup and oxygenates the water body, and the old one has quit working. An aerator fountain can cost up to $10,000. BEAR Project members held a Winterfest at the ponds on Saturday, Feb. 10, to raise funds to purchase a new fountain. 

The BEAR Project is a nonprofit organization that partners with Evanston Parks and Recreation to fund improvements at Bear Meadow and the Bear Ponds area.

This year’s activities included Cowboy Curling, a scavenger hunt for children, free ski and skate rentals through the rec center and a cross-country ski race. Donated silent auction items were available as part of the fund-raising efforts. Chili and all the fixings were available for purchase, along with drinks from  Rooster’s Brewery.

Patricia Arnold, volunteer with the BEAR Project, organized the kitchen help and other volunteers.

“We raised close to $1,000 this year from the food and beer sales and from the silent auction items. The money raised goes toward the purchase of the fountain. The attendance and participation this year was the best since the Winterfest started three years ago,” Arnold said.