Houlton Pioneer Times File Photo
CLOSE BUDS — Louie Blanchette, right, gets a friendly hug from the Moosestompers Moose during last year’s event. Organizers are hopeful for good weather for this year’s event Feb. 15-17.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
Thanks to sponsors, once again, the Moosestompers Weekend will a fun-filled three-day event on Feb. 15-17 at Community Park.
“People have been calling,” said Lori Weston, Moosestompers volunteer and economic and community development director for the town of Houlton. “They start calling at the end of December.”
Probably the most popular draw to Moosestompers is sliding down sleek Derby Hill.
“The hill is phenomenal,” said Weston.
When thinking of the “Thrill of the Hill” for Soap Box Derby racing, remember that can be said about the hill during Moosestompers, as well, as it’s in great shape thanks to the efforts of Houlton’s Public Works Department and the Meduxnekeag Ramblers Snowmobile Club.
The Ramblers also use its groomer to shape the dog sled and cross-country ski trails, as well as helping to smooth Derby Hill to make it slick and swift.
“I cannot speak enough about how wonderful they are,” said Weston. “They are just an incredible group who are aboard every time we do this event.”
The Ramblers also host two Moosestompers events — the public breakfast from 6-9 a.m. followed by the Poker Run — and have been a significant contributor to the event over the years.
Moosestompers Weekend derived from a similar event held at Loring Air Force Base and was introduced by Houlton’s then-town manger Alan Bean in 1997. Jim Brown took over chairmanship in 2002.
“He is the key cog in this whole thing,” said Weston. “He has it down pat.”
With long winters, Moosestompers offers a variety of activities to shake cabin fever and is a family-oriented weekend.
“It is probably one of the only events that is just really done by volunteers who want to have healthy kids and do a winter event just full of fun and activities,” Weston said. “It’s a County event. It really is. This is the time of year when people get in the doldrums. Moosestompers Weekend is probably the only community, healthy event that draws kids outdoor to have fun.”
With Brown at the helm, add volunteers, along with the Chamber of Commerce and Houlton Parks and Recreation Department and you have a well-oiled machine.
“When you pull in Marie [Carmichael] of the rec and civic center and other local folks, it is an amazing thing,” said Weston. “Last year, I think Marie and I put more cross-country skis and boots on folks from age 2 to 70 who had never cross-country skied before. People have the opportunity to try a winter event they have never tried before.”
Maine Winter Sports Center staff will once again have skis, poles and boots in their ski trailer.
Another well-liked activity is dog sled rides by Heywood Kennels. Each year, there is always a full line of those who want to experience riding in a sled pulled by Alaskan huskies.
“Lindy Howe had the opportunity to go to Boston this year,” said Weston. “But, she is coming here instead. This is one of her favorite places to be. She loves Houlton and the Moosestompers event. Lindy’s enthusiasm is contagious.”
Last year, the Bounce House on Ice was brought in and that will be back again, as well as the Half Dollar Scramble sponsored by local banks. There will also be the horse-drawn wagon rides and North Country Cruiser-sponsored sawdust prize search for children. Also on tap is the family snowman sculpting contest and the annual 5K Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run.
“We have a lot of the same events as last year,” said Weston. “The civic center will be open for skating and games, with concessions available. It’s just going to be a fun time.”
The one activity that has never really gone as planned is the opening Moosestompin’ Snowmobile Parade.
“When we started planning Moosestompers, there was plenty of snow,” Weston said. “We haven’t been able to have one because there is no snow. We are advertising the snowmobile parade, but it depends on the weather.”
The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a free movie matinee; youth and high school hockey games; G-Force Laser Tag; Houlton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will have hot drinks and goodies; and new this year, the indoor farmer’s market.
For more information on the weekend events, call the chamber at 532-4216 or visit the Moosestompers’ Facebook page for details. Next week the Houlton Pioneer Times will feature a dedicated Moosestompers page with activities and times listed, as well.
“The chamber does the coordinating of essential information for promotion,” said Weston. “But, we have a glitch in the Moosestomper website so we are pushing the event on Facebook. We will be working on a new web page for next year.”
Last year, a large number turned out for the weekend and organizers hope the same trend will follow.
“It is a town event, but it brings people from all over,” said Weston. “The name alone makes people interested in it. The event captures a diverse group of people who just want to come out and have fun.
“The awards and a good bunch of folks who see the goodness in a community event which happens for all the right reasons are lined up,” Weston said. “Let the snow dance begin.”
