ISLAND FALLS, Maine — Artfully decorated snowmen will once again be popping up in the community of Island Falls.
The Island Falls Economic Development Committee will work with local community members and nonprofit organizations to bring a fun-filled, winter carnival to the area Feb. 14-16.
“We had such a positive community response to last year’s snowman contest [that] we are bringing back the ‘Snowman Showcase’ event,” said Deb Dwyer, one of the event organizers. “This year’s theme is ‘Frosty and his Winter Forest Friends.’”
New this year is a photo booth for those who want to capture a moment with Frosty and his winter forest friends.
The Community Decorated Snowman Contest entries will be displayed at the Island Falls Town Office beginning Wednesday, Feb. 12. Judging will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, with prizes awarded at 3:30 p.m. There are categories for adults and children.
The weekend fun begins Friday, Feb. 14, as the Island Falls Historical Society hosts a fundraising food sale at Jerry’s Food Store from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. The Big Valley Sno Club will host a public spaghetti dinner and bonfire beginning at 5 p.m. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
The opening ceremony for Winter Fest will be the Snowmobile Torch Light Parade, which will begin at 7 p.m. on Robinson Mountain on the Dyer Brook Road. All snowmobile enthusiasts are welcome to participate.
The Island Falls Fishing Derby will be a focal point of the weekend and takes place on both Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Pond, Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 16. Registration and weigh-in will be at Jerry’s Food Store. For information call 207-463-2828.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, events begin at 6 a.m. with a public breakfast sponsored by the Big Valley Sno Club, on the Dyer Brook Road. The cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. A community service “Pillowcase Project” will be held at the Island Falls Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to noon. Everyone is welcomed and no sewing experience is needed.
This year, organizers have added a children’s winter carnival event set for 12:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the gym. This is a free event and will feature multiple games, along with treats for children. The Island Falls Recreation Department will be selling concessions. At 4 p.m., children can participate in a “Glow Stick Parade.”
For information on this event, contact the town office at 207-463-2246.
