It’s time for Beaver County memories, presented by St. Barnabas. In this memory, we highlight the one and only world championship that, at least up until recently, could be won in Beaver County. That’s right, as far back as 1963, Beaver County Residents have put a snow shovel between their legs and strapped in for a timed race sliding down a hill of snow in Economy Park.

Since the early sixties, this time of year has brought hopes and dreams of sledding glory to the hills of Beaver County as young and old alike would prepare a shovel, practice a time of two in their own yards, and then go for all the marbles in the competition down the one hundred sixty five foot slope in Economy park in Baden.

The annual race, which is sponsored by the Beaver County commissioners and administered by the public works department will award first and second place finishes in seven different categories for boys and girls, men and women, and even a modified division. That’s why at this time of year, there traditionally was a run on smooth steel shovels and paraffin wax at the local hardware stores.

Another tradition with the event is the fact that it is probably one of the only events in the world that will get canceled and rescheduled once or twice every year for both not having enough snow, and at times, for having too much snow. Almost invariable, the annual spectacle would get postponed or cancelled for one reason or another. The elusive perfect winter weather sledding conditions made planning the event hard.  The fickle Beaver County winter weather and its lack of predictability also made the excitement and anticipation that much greater for fans and participants on the rare year when the snow glistened on the slopes, awaiting riders to slice through the fluffy white powder on that particular Saturday in January. 

Year in and year out, families in beaver county would prepare for and then compete in the annual snow shovel riding contest. Because of the unique nature of the event, it was believed to be the only one of its kind and therefore, over the years, the winners were effectively crowned as world champions.

This has been Beaver County memories, presented by St. Barnabas. Tune in to each day  WBVP, WMBA, 99.3 F.M. and the BCR online Audio Streaming Outlets   for more Beaver County Memories.