No Winter Sports Allowed

Winter sports enthusiasts win big when Dougall McCormack gets included. 300 -word flash

No Winter Sports Allowed

It was the most perfect hill in town. It also belonged to Old Man McCormack. It was posted, fenced and cameras covered it all winter.
From the first real snow of winter, it became a matter of pride for the locals to take at least one trip down that slope without being caught. Sledders made a point of throwing snowballs at the cameras, so skiers and others could go down in large groups and really shred.
Old McCormack ranted and raved on community news radio and the local TV station.
“I’m only going to say this once! These miscreants have no respect for private property! If I catch any of them, I intend to prosecute!”
It never stopped the true enthusiasts. There was even night skiing and sledding where everyone carried bright flashlights. It seemed on the trail cams the light was all you could see.
The next day, the old man was on the media again.
“This will not happen again! I will get you all and when I do, suing will be too good for you!”
Christmas Eve, the Friends of McCormack’s Hill, as we had named ourselves, set up campfires, doughnuts and hot chocolate stations at the top of the hill to celebrate. Battery torches were handed out, and some celebrity guests were invited.
Only I was crazy enough to do it! I sent an actual invitation to Old Man McCormack on the sly. Astonishingly, he actually came, with an extra-long old-fashioned wooden toboggan in tow!
He piled kids on it and lit the way from the front, repeatedly. The mayor was on the local media the next day with a surprise announcement.
“A long-time local citizen, Dougall McCormack has deeded the hill on his property to the city in perpetuity for winter sports.”