“Overall, the 20th annual Moosestompers Weekend was a success,” said Nancy Ketch, one of the organizers of the event. “There were a lot of people out for all of the activities beginning Friday night with free skating, the lighted sliding hill and bonfire. Plus, Community Park was packed for the fireworks.”
Saturday’s sunny weather brought out what could have been record crowds for all of the activities, Ketch said.
“There were a lot of children around taking part in the many contests, enjoying rides and taking numerous trips down the giant sliding hill,” she said. “All events were held with just a few exceptions … the Poker Run could not take place and the Civic Center had to cancel skating activities due to an equipment issue.”
That mechanical issue, however, was resolved by Sunday and the arena re-opened for free skating. The inaugural Children’s Snowmobile Races were also extremely popular with more than 20 youths participating.
“The kids had a great time and the adults were entertained for nearly four hours,” Ketch said.
As nice as the mild temperatures were, however, a lack of adequate snow cover Friday evening resulted in the snowmobile parade being changed to an All-Terrain Vehicle/Utility Task Vehicle parade. The moonlight snowshoe hike at Military Street Baptist Church was also cancelled.
The committee will hold a wrap up meeting this week to evaluate what activities were successful and what changes they would like to see for next year, Ketch said.
Editor’s note: a list of event winners will appear in next week’s edition of the Houlton Pioneer Times.
