|
|
|
By Diana Bowley of the News Staff - GREENVILLE - The inaugural 100-mile wilderness sled dog race, workshops, public meals, a snowmobile parade and snowmobile activities are on tap for the Moosehead Lake Snofest Feb. 12-26 Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to this region for "A Celebration of Winter Sports." The 100-mile sled dog race, a prelim to the Can Am Crown to be held later this winter in Fort Kent, will take 30 teams from Greenville to Brownville through the so-called 100-mile wilderness. Contestants will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, on Moosehead Lake, travel to Railroad Avenue in Brownville Junction and then return to Greenville. Time is provided so mushers and their teams can rest during the race, according to race organizers. "This will be an exciting race which we are anxious to transform into an annual event," Greenville Town Manager John Simko said this week. The race, which begins the festival, is a collaborative effort of the towns of Brownville and Greenville, the Moosehead Riders, Brownville Snowmobile Clubs and landowners. "Even if you are not a musher, we encourage you to watch the start of the race at 9 a.m. Saturday, check out the teams at their resting point midday in Brownville Junction, and join us for the awards ceremony Sunday [Feb. 13] morning at the American Legion breakfast in Greenville," Simko said. Town officials are working closely with local organizations and landowners, including the Appalachian Mountain Club and Plum Creek Timber Co. to strengthen winter offerings, according to Simko. The Appalachian Mountain Club will offer navigation, winter survival and backcountry skiing workshops on Feb. 12, at the Beaver Cove Town Hall. There is no charge for these workshops but those interested should sign up at the Moosehead Region Chamber of Commerce at 695-2701 because space is limited. The Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club will sponsor its annual chili and chowder fest on Feb. 18. Local restaurants and chefs will vie to be named "the best" by those who sample the chili and chowders for a $5 donation. Activities on Feb. 19 include radar runs with awards presented at the conclusion at Woody's Bar and Grill. This will be followed at 6 p.m. by a snowmobile parade from West Cove to East Cove where a bonfire and hot chocolate are among the offerings. Northern Outfitters and local mushers will give visitors an opportunity to try out snowshoes, cross-country skis and to learn more about sled dogging on Feb. 20. There will be an expo of these sports from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the steamship Katahdin parking lot. A chocolate festival will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 20, sponsored by the local Chamber, at Greenville School, and visitors can participate in the Natural Resource Education Center's annual snowshoe walk to a deer yard on Feb. 24. Concluding Snofest on Feb. 25 will be a fun day on Prong Pond in Beaver Cove. There will be a fishing derby with prizes given to the best-dressed ice fisherman and other silly, family-oriented activities. |