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. And then there is always the risk that temperatures will be sub-zero, keeping folks from coming out and enjoying the great outdoors.
Such are the trials and tribulations for organizers of the annual Moosestompers celebration, now in its 20th year.
Moosestompers was introduced in Houlton back 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.
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 in today’s paper.
According to Nancy Ketch, one of the event organizers, there are a number of new attractions — and a few of the original events that have not been seen for a number of years — factored into this year’s celebration.
“Moosestompers weekend really is outdoor fun for everyone,” said Ketch. “Moosestompers provides free family activities for the entire family.”
Making a return to the weekend celebration are original contests such as “human curling,” “human dog sled racing,” and snowshoe races.
The celebration kicks off Friday, with judging of the “Snow Creation” contest. Unlike past years, participants can create a snowman or snow sculpture in their own yard and have it entered into the contest, provided they signup in advance and live within a five-mile radius of downtown Houlton.
Nighttime events will include sliding under the lights, a public supper at the Court Street Baptist Church, a snowmobile light parade, free skating at the John Millar Civic Center and nighttime snowshoeing (provided people bring their own head lamps) at Military Street Baptist Church.
Friday night is capped off with a free fireworks display in Community Park, which has not been done for a number of years.
Saturday will include the Meduxnekeag Ramblers Snowmobile Club Breakfast and if weather permits, a Poker Run. Other events include an ice fishing derby, sliding on Derby Hill with various contests, free public ice skating inside the Millar Civic Center, youth hockey games to watch, the Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run road race, a sawdust prize search, cross country skiing with the help of Maine Winter Sports Center, horse-drawn sleigh rides and a half dollar scramble for children in snow piles in Community Park.
The Gentle Memorial Building will host youth basketball games and later in the day will feature the second annual Men’s Basketball All-Star Extravaganza.
The cardboard box sled event returns this year with a twist. This year’s event will see the sleds judged for their appearance, as the racing of the sleds did not pan out last year, Ketch said.
“We are hoping people will get really creative with their cardboard sleds as we will be judging for appearance only,” she said.
Concessions will be available in the Exhibit Hall and inside the Civic Center. A huge bonfire will be lit Saturday at 2 p.m. for people to warm up.
The evening concludes with the “Moosestompers Ball” at the Downunder Sports Pub with live music.
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.
For more information, or for changes to the schedule, visit the Moosestompers page on Facebook. To volunteer to help with any events, contact Ketch at comm.development@houlton-maine.com.
