HOULTON, Maine — The Moose is loose and he’s heading to Houlton. That’s the rumor circulating around town and he is sure to be there for the annual Moosestompers Weekend, Feb. 14-16.
Hosting an outdoor celebration in February is never an easy task. There is a fine line between having enough snow for all of the snow-themed events and having too much snow in the form of a blizzard.
Such are the trials and tribulations for organizers of the annual Moosestompers celebration, now in its 17th year.
A full weekend of family fun activities is once again in the planning stages, including a couple of new events to go along with all of the popular favorites. A full schedule can be found on Page 12B of today’s paper.
According to event organizers Lori Weston, Jane Torres and Marie Carmichael, this year’s plans include special Friday night events that just may have a Valentine’s theme. Nighttime events will include sliding, a snowmobile Parade in the Park, nighttime cross-country skiing (provided people bring their own head lamps), an enormous bonfire to keep folks warm and much more.
“Moosestompers weekend, it really is outdoor fun for everyone,” said Weston. “Moosestompers provides free family activities for the entire family.”
Saturday will include the Ramblers Snowmobile Club Breakfast and if weather permits, a well-planned Poker Run. A family “Snowman Sculpting Contest” in Community Park, sliding on Derby Hill with various contests, free public ice skating inside the Millar Civic Center, hockey games to watch, the Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run, a sawdust prize search, dog sled rides, cross country skiing with the help of Maine Winter Sports Center (which is the perfect opportunity to experience the sport for free), sleigh rides, a half dollar scramble for children in snow piles in Community Park and G-Force Laser Tag at the Recreation Center are once again in the works. Concessions will be available while you warm up in the Exhibit Hall.
On Sunday, Community Park will be opened for a family day of fun on your own! The Hill will be ready for sliding and once again, free public ice skating and the cross country ski trails will be waiting and ready.
Another popular pastime for youth and adults alike is the slick Derby Hill. The smooth, slippery surface is perfect for any type of sled — flying saucers, tubes, toboggans or runner sleds — with lots of laughter at the finish.
The Hogan Tire Hockey Shootout is another popular attraction as skaters test their skills with a puck. This event is traditionally open to skaters from 7-17 years of age.
In addition, anyone who has ever pondered “What Does the Moose Say?,” a parody of the song “What Does The Fox Say?” will find out at a random moment sometime during the weekend.
Moosestompers was introduced in 1997 under then Town Manager Alan Bean, who took the idea from the event held on Loring Air Force Base. Prior to 1997, a winter carnival called the YamaFest and was held in the area where Walmart and Paradis’ Shop N’ Save are now located.
“It’s important for people to realize that Moosestompers is an event that happens because local volunteers work to assure that it remains an event unique to our community,” Weston said. “Jim Brown willingly and very adeptly took the event and dedicated thousands of hours organizing and developing it into the event that it has become,” Weston said. “Jim has two very important thriving businesses that take a great deal of time.”
In the past few years, a group has formed to help Brown in any capacity that we can, under his guidance. The group includes the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce, Houlton Parks and Recreation Department, John A. Millar Civic Center, town of Houlton, Meduxnekeag Ramblers, Chris Putnam and his Fishing Derby coordinators and Adopt A Block.
“With all of these folks comes a terrific and dedicated throng of volunteers,” Weston added. “The Moose is groomed and anxious to see his many friends!”
For more information, or for changes to the schedule, visit the Moosestompers page on Facebook.
