Winterfest kicks off this weekend

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    ISLAND FALLS — It is time once again to kick the winter blues by attending the 2011 Island Falls Winterfest. Ruth Frazier, recreation director for Island Falls, has once again compiled a bundle of activities for individuals to enjoy, including many popular returning events.
    Island Falls Winterfest is believed to have started several years ago by local Chamber of Commerce. For Frazier, this year marks her third preparing the popular event.
    “It’s a time to have some events for our community and get people out after long winter months of being inside,” Frazier said. “Some events are sponsored by area businesses but mostly the Fire Department, Ambulance and Recreation Committee.”
    The festivities have evolved over the years.
    “Years ago it was held over different weeks switched around, but the past few years we have coordinated it with the start of Sno Club’s Log Driver’s Cook Out,” Frazier said. “We have, in the past, tried to do it February vacation week, but a lot of people are very busy and it’s tourney time for The County! A lot of people like to go to the Bangor area during that time, so we decided to stick with the first weekend of March to start the week with Sno Club.”
    Frazier added she would like to see more community involvement and events sponsored by other companies or groups in the future.
    “Anyone is welcome to hold an event during this time,” she said. “Ideas, comments or volunteers are very welcomed. They can be sent to islandfallsmainerecdept@yahoo.com or by calling me at 463-2263. We hope people invite someone and come out to attend the events and show support by attending. The Pet Show is being held in memory of Jarrica Rose Emery, whom many miss and adored. We will be accepting donations and will be giving all that is donated to SACS for her scholarship in her memory.”
    The full schedule for this year’s activities is as follows:
Friday, March 4
    5-7 p.m. — Spaghetti supper from 5-7 p.m. at the Big Valley Sno Club, Island Falls Rt.2. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. For more information, call 463-2656
Saturday, March 5
    Noon-2 p.m. — Log Driver’s Cook Out at the Big Valley Sno Club, Island Falls Rt. 2. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. For more information, call 463-2656.
Sunday, March 6
    7-11 a.m. — Island Falls Ambulance breakfast at the municipal building. The cost is $7 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-12; and those 5 and younger are free.
Monday, March 7
    6 p.m. — New 2 U Fashion Frenzy Show at the municipal building. All proceeds will be donated to Health Services Foundation. The cost is $1 per person or $3 per family.
Tuesday, March 8
    10 a.m.-3 p.m. — The Bridge Club will play bridge at the municipal building. All are welcome to join.
    6-9 p.m. — Open gym and game night at the municipal building, sponsored by the Island Falls Recreation Department. All are welcome.
Wednesday, March 9
    6 p.m. — Ms. Pageant. Come see the guys dress as gals in an event that will surely bring some laughs. Proceeds benefit the Southern Aroostook Community School junior class. The cost is $2 per person or $5 for immediate families. Sponsored by the Island Falls Recreation Department and the junior class.
Thursday, March 10
    6:30-8 p.m. — Graves’ Institute of Self Defense with Sensi Walter Garrnett. Open to the public.
Friday, March 11
    7-10 p.m. — Children’s Dance for those in grades six and up. The cost is $4 per person. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase. Sponsored by the Island Falls Recreation Department.
Saturday, March 12
    10 a.m. — Scrapbook Dreams, card-making class.
    1 p.m. — Mommy and Me class. For more information call 267-0390 or check out www.scrapbookingdreams.net.
    2 p.m. — Little Miss Pageant held at the Island Falls municipal building. Open to residents of Island Falls, Dyer Book, Crystal and Oakfield. The fee is $20 per contestant. Categories include Baby Wee Ones (Up to 11 months); Wee Ones (12- 23 months); Tiny Tots (2-3 years); Sunshine Kid (4-5 years); Little Miss Winterfest (6-8 years). The cost to watch is $2 per person or $5 for immediate family. Call 463-2263 to register. The deadline is Tuesday, March 8.
    9 p.m. to 1 a.m. — Island Falls Fire Department dance at the municipal building. Must be 21 years old. I.D. will be checked at the door. B.Y.O.B. The cost is $5 per person or $8 per couple. The DJ is Joey White.
Sunday, March 13
    2 p.m. — In Loving Memory of Jarrica Rose Emery Pet Show. All animals must be on leash or in kennels. Trophies will be given for “Best Dressed,” “Most Obedient,” and “Best of Show.” Ribbons will be given for many other categories, such as youngest/oldest. Also, there will be a donation jar for anyone that would like to donate in Jarrica’s memory and the money will be donated to SACS towards her scholarship. Anyone who would like to donate that may not be able to attend, please contact Frazier at 463-2263 or drop off donation to the Island Falls Town Office. Please include your name, phone and address. Any checks please make out to I.F. Rec.
Additional Events
    A Snow Sculpting Contest, with prizes for first, second and third place will be held. Sculptures must be completed by 3 p.m., Saturday, March 12. Entries may be accepted from Island Falls, Crystal and Dyer Brook. Sponsored by I.F. Rec./ Winterfest. To register, call 463-2263.
    An Amateur Photo Contest will be held. Photos entered must be taken by yourself. To participate, drop your photo off to the Island Falls Town Office by Friday, March 4, during regular business hours. Photographers must print their name and phone number on the back of the photo. Voting will be done by the public and will take place during this week. All are welcome to come in during regular office hours to vote on photos. Please vote only once in each category. Photographers can only enter one photo per category. Sponsored by I.F Rec./ Winterfest. If a photo has already won, it cannot be resubmitted. The categories are — Icycles; Kids and snow fun; and winter wildlife. For more information, call 463-2263.