Moosestompers kicks off this weekend

    HOULTON, Maine — The 14th annual Moosestompers weekend will feature more winter fun and excitement this year as organizers are busy planning for three full days of winter-related events.
Traditionally held the first weekend in February, this year’s Moosestompers Weekend was moved due to the World Cup Biathlon held in Presque Isle Feb. 4-6. This year’s event will be held Feb. 18-20.
    Moosestompers was introduced in 1997 under then Town Manager Alan Bean, who took the idea from the event held on Loring Air Force Base. Prior to 1997, a winter carnival called the YamaFest and was held in the area where Walmart and Paradis’ Shop N’ Save are now located.
The town and the Greater Houlton Area Chamber of Commerce ran the event for a number of years, but finding enough individuals to organize it became increasingly difficult. Jim Brown, chairman for Moosestompers, said he and Andy Mooers originally got involved through the Houlton Rotary Club when it became evident that the event was in jeopardy.
“Andy and I did not want to see it die out so we got involved to keep it going,” Brown said. “That was about 10 years ago and I’ve been involved with it ever since.”
Among the many events typically held during the three-day event are sliding on Derby Hill, horse-draw sleigh rides, free ice skating inside the Millar Civic Center, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Other popular events are the ice fishing derby held on Nickerson, Drew, Cochran, Bradbury Lakes and Mill Pond; the Meduxnekeag Ramblers breakfast and a Poker Run and baked bean supper at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum.
“We are all about family and kids,” Brown said. “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.”
Two years ago, Laser Tag was added at the Houlton Recreation Center, which helped spread the events throughout the town, instead of having everything located at Community Park.
Last year, event organizers added dog sled rides by mushers Linda Howe and Kevin Quist, from Stockholm. The dog sled rides were hugely popular with those in attendance.
This year, a snow maze has been added to the event. The maze will be open all three days of Moosestompers in an area near the baseball field. In addition, outdoor ice skating returns as well.
The group is also in discussion with Maine Winter Sports to return for a cross-country ski clinic. Last year, participants were able to use equipment from their Healthy Hometown Ski Trailer, which included 100 pairs of boots, skis and poles and a Healthy Hometown ski coach, as well.
Another popular pastime for youth and adults alike is the slick Derby Hill. The smooth, slippery surface is perfect for any type of sled — flying saucers, tubes, toboggans or runner sleds —with lots of laughter at the finish.
The Hogan Tire hockey shootout is another popular attraction as skaters test their skills with a puck. This event, which is open to skaters from 7-17 years of age, is set for Sunday, Feb. 20 at 3:15 p.m.
The weather has not cooperated with Moosestompers Weekend only once in its 13-year history, but even then only one of the weekend’s events — the snowmobile parade —was cancelled. Last year, bitterly cold temperatures may have kept some individuals, but a massive bonfire was lit to help keep the brave souls warm.
After 10 years, Brown is looking for others to step up and take ownership of running the Moosestompers Weekend.
“I have been trying to transition away from being the sole person,” he said. “My goal is to turn it back over to the town and chamber. We’re hoping more people will get involved.”
On Friday, the festivities begin with an ice fishing derby at various lakes. The Houlton-Hodgdon Black Hawks take on Orono for a varsity hockey game at 6 p.m. The popular snowmobile parade begins at 7 p.m. Sledders are encouraged to decorate their vehicles and meet at Community Park for a ride through town and back. Outdoor ice skating and bonfire is planned for 8 p.m.
Among the many events set for Saturday, Feb. 19, is the Meduxnekeag Ramblers special breakfast from 6-10 a.m. A family snowman-sculpting contest will take place in the park, with prizes for “most traditional,” “most creative,” “funniest” and “best family look-a-like.” From 9 a.m. to noon, the Southern Aroostook Minor Hockey Association will hold games inside Millar Civic Center. Slidding on Derby Hill begins at 9 a.m. and continues all day. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Houlton Power Sports will hold free demo rides on the latest Yamaha sleds. The 27th annual Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run/Walk begins at 10:45 a.m.
Also on Saturday, dog sled races, children’s games and horse-drawn sleigh rides will be available.
On Sunday, a snow wiffle ball tournament is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m., along with many of the same activities for children from Saturday.
In addition, Houlton Temple Theatre will have a free children’s movie on both Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Any individuals who are interested in helping with events should contact Brown at 538-6502 or e-mail jwb@madiganestates.com. The full calendar of events will be posted on the group’s Facebook page, at www.moosestompers.com, and in this week’s edition of The Houlton Pioneer Times.