8:00pm | It’s set to snow this Saturday at Whaley Park, where children of all ages will be able to frolick in more than 10 tons of fluffy, icy flakes.

Councilman Patrick O’Donnell is hosting his annual Snow Day  now in its sixth year  this Saturday at the Atherton Street park. The event was originally scheduled for last month, but due to inclement weather, it was pushed back to March 19. 

 According to O’Donnell’s office, this weekend’s event will go on rain or shine.

The event will run from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at the park, 5620 Atherton St., adjacent to the campus of Cal State Long Beach. Parking will be available at no charge in CSULB’s Lot 14 off of Atherton.

Snow Day 2011 will allow youths who may have never seen snow before to experience something new. Featured will be, among other activities, sled races and snowball-making. Kids can even build their own snowman, and all at no cost

While O’Donnell represents the city’s Fourth Council District, this event is open to Long Beach children and their families citywide. 
 
“This year’s Snow Day event will be bigger than ever,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve got so many things to do and see for the whole family that we expect to see even more people coming from all sides of the City.” 

O’Donnell’s staff said that in year’s past, the event has drawn crowds totaling as many as 6,500 residents, and this year they are expecting an even larger turnout.

On top of the main attraction  snow  children will have a chance to play in several bounce houses, enjoy music mixed by a DJ, have their faces painted and participate in arts-and-crafts activities. 

As a special treat, not only will attendees be able to enjoy free barbecued hot dogs courtesy of the city’s police and fire associations, but also the slushy sweetness of snow cones for dessert. Free giveaways and information will be handed out by an array of local vendors and service providers.

“I want to invite everyone in Long Beach to come out and play in some real snow and see what great things Long Beach has to offer at this one-of-a-kind community event,” O’Donnell said.  

The councilman hosted his first Snow Day in 2006 as a way to provide a fun and memorable family experience for the whole community. 

In addition to the police and fire departments, other city departments and area businesses will join O’Donnel in hosting the event. And the police and fire departments plan to offer safety demonstrations appropriate for the entire family, according to O’Donnell’s office.

Snow Day 2011 is being co-sponsored by the city of Long Beach and several community partners, including Partners of Parks, the Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Municipal Airport, Signal Hill Petroleum and local Realtor Joe Sopo.

Additional information is available by calling 562-570-6918.