PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The annual Himie Towle Memorial Winter Frolic takes place on Saturday, March 7, at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. New this year will be a host of free family-friendly activities in addition to the traditional skiing events.
“While skiing is still a big part of this event, we are excited to bring it back to more of a family event, more like what it was like when our Dad brought us and our friends out for adventures in the snow,” said Steve Towle of Easton. He and his brothers offer this event each year in memory of their father, Himie Towle, who was an outdoor enthusiast.
“Our family grew up with a love of the outdoors, particularly during winter, and what better way to share his legacy than to offer an event like this for the community,” Towle said.
As in the past, the Winter Frolic will include cross country ski events for all ages. Youth races, broken down in various age categories, will begin at 11 am. Lollipops and ribbons will be awarded at the conclusion of each age group.
For teen and adult skiers, there will be a 5K and 10K freestyle race, with a classic track available, starting at 1 p.m. Unlike in previous years, this race will not be divided into age categories. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and top three female finishers in both distances. The overall winners for the event will be the top male and female skiers in the 10K race.
Several new outdoor and indoor activities have also been added this year. This will include kid’s activities such as sack races and three-legged races. Also slated are sliding, a guided snowshoe hike, a fat bike demonstration, health and wellness displays in the lodge, marshmallows and hot dogs over the fire and a hot lunch for participants.
The entire event is free and open to the public. Participants can come take part in whatever portions they choose. The schedule for the day, which is still subject to change, looks like this:
10 a.m. – Registration in the Lodge
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Educational Displays and Activities in the Lodge
11 a.m. – Youth Ski Races and Fun Outside Activities in the Stadium
11:45 a.m. – Youth Awards in front of the Lodge
12 noon – Lunch Available for Participants (while supplies last)
12:30 p.m. – Sliding Hill Opens (bring your own sleds); Fire Pit (warm up and roast some marshmallows or a hot dog)
1 p.m. – Junior/Adult Ski Races (5K or 10K)
1:30 p.m. – Guided Snowshoe Hike (bring your own or rentals available; free for Nordic members or $5 for non-members)
2 p.m. – Fat Bike Demonstration near the Welcome Center
2:30 p.m. – Closing and Junior/Adult Ski Awards
In addition to these scheduled activities, the trails will be open throughout the day for those who want to snowshoe, ski or fat bike on their own.
While the fun-filled day is being offered for free, donations will be accepted. The costs for the event itself are covered by the Towle family and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, sponsor of the event. However, in the past, registration fees were able to be donated to the Nordic Heritage Center to help with youth programs and upkeep of the trails. With no registration fees this year, the group is accepting donations in order to still be able to offer funds to support the venue.
Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is proud to once again sponsor this event for the community, according to Dawn Roberts, community health specialist at the hospital.
“We are committed to promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles in our region. That’s why we commit time and resources to our Fit & Fun program, hosting our own activities as well as collaborating with others, such as the Towles and Nordic Heritage, who are already putting on great events.”
To keep up to date on any schedule changes or other updates for Himie Towle Memorial Frolic on Saturday, March 7, please visit the Nordic Heritage Center’s page on Facebook.
Submitted by the Communications Office of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
