HOULTON, Maine — Those with a bad case of the winter blahs take note: the 23rd annual Moosestompers Winter Carnival returns to the Shiretown this weekend.
While a Jan. 24 rainstorm made a serious dent in the snowpack for southern Aroostook County, there will still be plenty of snow to go around. A full weekend of family fun events is once again in the works at Houlton’s Community Park.
“Traditionally, the event has always been the first weekend in February,” said Nancy Ketch, one of the event organizers. “The biggest change this year is that the majority of the kids’ events will be held on Sunday this year, instead of Saturday. Last year, we had to cancel events on Saturday due to the extreme cold, but it actually worked out better from a planning standpoint.”
Things kick off Friday, Feb. 1, as the Millar Civic Center hosts a night of free public skating courtesy of Hogan Tire. Free skate rentals will be provided to those who do not own skates and prizes will be awarded to children. Concessions will be available for purchase when skaters work up an appetite skating to the music.
Moonlight snowshoeing takes place 9 p.m. Friday at Military Street Baptist Church. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp. A fireplace in the church foyer will be roaring to warm folks before or after their trek. In addition, hot cocoa will be available.
Those looking for something a bit more physical can participate in the 35th annual Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run, happening Saturday, Feb. 2. Katahdin Trust has once again partnered with the town of Houlton and the Aroostook Musterds running club to sponsor the road race.
The popular Moosestompers Ice Fishing Derby will begin Saturday, Feb. 2. Anglers can register at Nana’s convenience store on Military Street or MACS Trading Post on the North Road to participate.
A children’s free fishing derby also is offered for any youths under the age of 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Derby Hill, located in Community Park, will be open for sliding Saturday, which will continue after dark as lights will illuminate the hill.
On Sunday, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobile rides and hayrides will be offered, as well as a number of children’s games with prizes. Snowshoeing and cross-country skis will also be available.
A full schedule of events can be found in this week’s Houlton Pioneer Times or visit the Moosestompers Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Moosestompers-283452883829/.
