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SKOWHEGAN — Outdoor winter fun is the theme of Somerset SnowFest, a celebration of all things winter, Feb. 28, 29 and March 1 in the Skowhegan area.
Somerset SnowFest is organized by Lake George Regional Park and Main Street Skowhegan have joined forces again to bring a weekend chock-full of activities to the region.
“SnowFest will feature so many fun and unique things to do outside, even in the dead of winter,” said Kristina Cannon, executive director of Main Street Skowhegan. “We are working — in partnership with Lake George and several other organizations — to get more people outside and active and to transform Skowhegan into an outdoor recreation mecca, and Somerset SnowFest is a great example of this effort.”
In its second year, Skijor Skowhegan — New England’s only equestrian skijoring competition — has expanded to 30 teams, each with a horse and rider pulling a skier or snowboarder down the race track, complete with gates and jumps, at the Skowhegan fairgrounds on Saturday, Feb. 29. Teams will compete for cash prizes. Skijor Skowhegan is presented by Baxter Brewing and coordinated by Main Street Skowhegan. Food — including samples from an on-site chili cook-off–and beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Parking at the fairgrounds is $5 per vehicle, though admission to the event is free.
Lake George Regional Park will host several activities on the lake and on their expanded trail network. Thrill seekers and adventure lovers can compete in the inaugural downhill kayak race (Saturday) or the winter triathlon (Sunday), sponsored by Redington-Fairview General Hospital and featuring a course with cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing. Annual favorites like the kids’ box sled race (Saturday) and the ice fishing derby (Sunday) are back, and Sunday will feature the new lakeside Frostbite Bar, complete with Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy specialty drinks.
Sunday afternoon also brings free dog sled rides, sledding, and hot cocoa to Coburn Park in downtown Skowhegan.
The weekend will feature plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food and drink — all in outdoor settings. Partners at the Jim Browne Foundation will kick off the weekend Friday afternoon with a party at Lakewood Golf Course, featuring nordic skiing, snowshoeing, a bonfire, food, and beer and wine. Skowhegan restaurant The Miller’s Table will turn their outdoor courtyard, in the former Somerset County Jail, into an ice bar Friday and Saturday with all-you-can-eat pizza specials, fire and ice cocktails and luge drinks, Crooked Face Creamery cheese tasting, menu specials, homemade marshmallow roasting and more.
A variety of area businesses are helping to support the events. For a complete list of Somerset SnowFest activities, visit somersetsnowfest.org.
PHOTO: Box sled racing at Somerset SnowFest.
