The Snow Zone was busy during Saturday's MerryCopa at Copper Sky. Photo by Adam Wolfe

Maricopa residents got a taste of winter with an ice skating rink and snow pile during the second annual MerryCopa Holiday Festival at Copper Sky Regional Park Saturday night.

Hundreds of local residents came out to celebrate the holidays with family and friends during the six-hour event. Bounce houses, sledding and ice skating were set up for children, and adults enjoyed food and entertainment from local vendors and performers.

“We have it all going on out here today,” Maricopa Community Services Special Events Manager Niesha Whitman said. “We wanted to do something to celebrate the holidays and bring everyone together.”

Participants competed in a gingerbread house contest and an attendance competition where they tried to receivee stamps on their “passports” from various locations around the event.

Winners of the different age groups for the gingerbread house competition received a $100 gift card to Holiday Ham, and the winner of the “passport” drawing received a freshly cut Christmas tree and ornaments to put on it.

“We love this event and we’re trying to make it bigger and better for you each year,” Maricopa Mayor Christian Price said.

Before the event came to a close, Price led a countdown to light the park’s Christmas tree.

Also during the event, Shaela Norris was crowned Miss Estrella Mountains Outstanding Teen.