It was just what we needed. A day outside.

The weather cooperated, bringing just the right amount of “cold” — enough to keep the ice sculptures at the Butler AM Rotary’s Carved in Ice event in downtown Butler from melting, but not too much to keep people from stepping outside.

The weekend was one to get outside, to brush off the winter blues and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Soaking up sunshine can be beneficial for mental health, experts told us in our “Mind and Body” section in the Jan. 11 edition of the Butler Eagle.

This weekend’s fun included a total of 67 sculptures, including an ice slide, featured at Diamond Park. The two-day festival, which began Friday and continued Saturday, included ice carving demonstrations, a chili cook off, a hot dog eating contest and more.

Also Saturday, a race was held by Community Options. The annual Cupid’s Chase brought people to the Lake Arthur Golf Club for a Valentine’s Day-themed race. The event raised funds to support housing and employment for people with disabilities.

Both were great events for great causes — and we love that they are held at this time of year.

We were all very much ready to get out of our houses, and since the weather cooperated, we were thrilled to see that so many did.

In an article published in our “Mind and Body” section, experts spoke with our staff about seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder. There’s no way to prevent SAD, but steps can be taken to manage its symptoms.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, seasonal depression can treated with exposure to sunlight; light therapy can be substituted when increasing the amount of natural sunlight is not possible.

Rich Blews, peer support manager and housing engagement specialist at the Grapevine Center, encouraged those suffering from SAD to talk to someone and participate in activities with your hands — such as cooking, baking, crafting or building.

But for those who enjoy the outdoors, this weekend was an ideal time to get some sun and fresh air. And by the looks of it, the weather may cooperate into early this week, too, offering further opportunity to get outside.

We commend all the volunteers who put hard work into making this weekend’s events happen.

— TL