Moosetompers is this weekend

By Gloria Austin 
Staff Writer
    The town and the Greater Houlton Area Chamber of Commerce ran a winter event for a number of years, but finding enough individuals to organize it became increasingly difficult. With the activity in jeopardy, Jim Brown became involved through the Houlton Rotary Club and continues to chair the Moosestompers Weekend, along with help from members of the Adopt-A-Block group from Military Street Baptist Church in Houlton.
    Moosestompers was introduced in 1997 under then Town Manager Alan Bean, who took the idea from an event held on Loring Air Force Base. Prior to 1997, a winter carnival called the YamaFest was held in the area.
    The whole concept behind Moosestompers Weekend is simple — a break from the winter blahs or cabin fever — and wholesome fun outside with family and friends.
    “It is very family-oriented,” Brown said. “We see a lot of people with their kids. I got involved because it gives families something healthy to do in the winter months. Most of the events are either free or low cost, so nobody has an excuse not to participate.”
    The 15th annual Moosestompers Weekend is in the works again for the greater Houlton area.  Traditionally, Moosestompers was held the first weekend in February, but last year the event was moved to accommodate the World Cup Biathlon in Presque Isle. This year, the event tentatively will remain later in the month from Feb. 17-19.
    Among the many typical events held during the three days are sliding on Derby Hill, horse-drawn sleigh rides, free ice skating and other activities inside the Millar Civic Center, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other popular events are the Meduxnekeag Ramblers breakfast and Poker Run and a baked bean supper at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum.
    Among all of the events, one of the more attended by youth and adults is the sliding down Derby Hill.  The usually smooth, slippery surface is perfect for any type of sled — flying saucers, tubes, toboggans or runner sleds — with lots of laughter down the hill to the finish. Another popular activity is dogsled rides given by mushers Linda Howe and Kevin Quist, from Stockholm.
    As chairman, Brown coordinates the core events, but the Moosestompers Weekend activities reach out to neighboring towns, as well.
     Any individuals who are interested in helping with events should contact Brown at 538-6502 or e-mail jwb@madiganestates.com. A full calendar of events will be posted on the group’s Facebook page, at www.moosestompers.com.