ANDOVER, Minn. (WCCO) — Thousands of kids up in the north Twin Cities metro got to enjoy a “Snow Day” on Wednesday, and they had lots of wet snow to play in.

Sledding and snowball fights were pretty common in Andover on Wednesday. It was a busy day on the sledding hill at Prairie Knoll Park, and it was for good reason. The heavy snowfall early in the morning caused a number of school closings, so kids put down their books and grabbed some sleds.

As grown-ups groused at the back-breaking jobs waiting outside, kids from kindergarten to college snubbed at alarm clocks.

For many, a rare snow day meant it was time to get out and have some fun.

“The kids were hoping for days off earlier, so they finally got one,” said teacher Pete Pouliot.

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School teachers Pete and Jill Pouliot worked in tandem to clear their driveway and walks.

“I don’t like the snowblower because it’s too noisy and stinky. So I like the peace of just shoveling,” said teacher Jill Pouliot.

There was no peace for parents when kids saw a part of winter they feared wasn’t coming back.

“Oh yes, he came in like it was Christmas and said it’s snowing outside,” said Jean Barry, the parent of an Elk River student.

Wet, heavy snow made several roads nearly impassible. Even a few tow truck drivers spun out in their cars. But when the work clearing snow was done, even adults are due a play day.

“I’m actually going golfing. We got the driveway shoveled so now I’m off with my buddies to play a little golf at Bunker Hills,” said Pete Pouliot.

What he means by that is he hit the links at an indoor simulator at the Coon Rapids facility.

And since it’s been so long since we’ve had a snow day, just remember one thing: That blower runs on gas.

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