TIRED — After finishing the Human Dog Sled Race on Saturday, Kennedy Buzzeo, left, and Madison Grant are tuckered out from pulling Sydney Lorom in the toboggan.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
There was plenty of action around Community Park in Houlton last weekend with the annual Moosestompers event. Although Friday night events (snowmobile parade and bonfire) were “rained out,” the rest of the weekend saw chilly, but clear skies.
“We had another great Moosestompers weekend in Houlton,” said organizer Jim Brown. “There was lots of fun and activities for kids and families to do. We had some new events this year along with many of our favorites that everybody loves. We had the largest attendance that we have ever had on Saturday.” 
POPULAR — A popular event during the annual Moosestompers Weekend is horse-drawn sleigh rides at Community Park. Mike Carpenter and his pals, Doc and Duke, gave plenty of rides.
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 was held.
Among the many popular events held during the weekend were horse-draw sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, dog sled rides by mushers Linda Howe and Kevin Quist from Stockholm and of course, sliding on Derby Hill — flying saucers, tubes, toboggans or runner sleds —with lots of laughter.
PULLING — Parker Sherman, left and Jacob Worthley haul one of their friends in a toboggan against another team during the Human Dog Sled Race.
Also drawing a huge crowd of participants was the Half Dollar Scramble, along with several teams trying their hand at the human dog sled and human curling competitions. Another annual event that draws youth is the annual Hogan Tire Shootout, which tested youngsters’ skills with a hockey puck and skates.
Other events held outside of Community Park during the weekend were an ice fishing derby, a Poker Run by the Meduxnekeag Ramblers, Houlton Power Sports Yamaha demo rides and the Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run.
“I’d like to thank all of the volunteers and supporters who help make it all come together,” said Brown. “ We appreciate the Adopt-A-Block organization for taking on the food drive and helping with activities for the kids. A special thanks to Wade Hanson, community development director and the Houlton Volunteer Fire Department for their involvement this year.”
Contributed photograph
VISITING – Gladys Tarbell visits with the Moose during Moosestompers Weekend.
SEE – The Ardell sisters made out like bandits during the Half Dollar Scramble.
