HOULTON, Maine — Houlton’s legendary winter festival is set to kick off at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, with ice skating at the John Miller Civic Center followed by a moonlight snowshoe hike at the Military Street Baptist Church/Church On The Hill.
For the 29th year, the Moosestompers three-day weekend, Houlton’s last outdoor winter blast before spring, draws families from the region and Canada for sledding, cross country skiing, ice fishing, bonfires, hot chocolate, fireworks and a full-day of kids fun on Sunday.
The event runs from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.
Most of the events Moosestompers have come to count on are returning, such as sledding on Derby Hill, the hay wagon and toboggan rides, ice skating, the half-dollar scramble, the sawdust prize search, Seiders Variety Store Moosestompers Saturday fishing derby, with cash prizes, hockey games, free family matinee movies at the Temple Theater and the traditional snowdance in Community Park.
Revived this year is the snowmobile light parade around Community Park before the fireworks display on Saturday night, with prizes for best decorated antique sled, best kids sled and best all around.
The sleds will come across the fields, said Ketch, adding that if people come early for the fireworks and line-up along the fence where the ball fields are, the sleds will go through.
With weather predicted in the teens and low-20s with full sun on Saturday, organizers are hoping for a bit more snow to top off the trails.
“We are meeting on Tuesday, just in case weather conditions require us to make any alterations,” said Nancy Ketch, director of community development. “It looks like we might get a little more snow this week so I think we’ll be in pretty good shape for everything. “
Ketch said that in Moosestompers’ nearly three-decade run, there was only one year without snow.
Another new thing this year is the winter equipment display in Community Park on Saturday and Sunday. County Tractor and United Ag & Turf are bringing up equipment so people can check that out while kids are on the sledding hill, she said.
Ketch encourages people to check out the Moosestompers page for any last minute changes and for schedule details.
“We’re hoping for a good weekend, fireworks on Saturday night, kids day on Sunday,” she said.
