March 28, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Festivities planned at Lake George > Ski races, ice skating, benefit dinner on tap for seventh Winter Carnival

SKOWHEGAN — Even though temperatures so far this year have been far above normal and local meteorologists say rain is expected Friday and Saturday, Lake George Regional Park is planning its seventh annual Winter Carnival for Saturday, Feb. 20.

“We’re hoping for snow,” said park manager Bob Hubbard. “Everything depends on the weather.”

Hubbard hopes that a fresh snowfall will enhance the many outdoor activities planned at the park, which is on Route 2 between Canaan and Skowhegan.

“We’re trying to get the park ready now,” said Hubbard. “We have new ski trails this year, so the cross-country race will be longer and more interesting. And right now the lake is excellent for ice skating.”

The carnival begins at sunrise on Lake George with an ice fishing derby. Registration will be on the lake from the boat launch on the park’s east side, beginning in the pre-dawn hours.

First prize for longest trout is $100, said Hubbard, donated by the Skowhegan Fraternal Order of Eagles. First and second prizes, including cash prizes for all winning fish, will be awarded for longest trout, pickerel, smallmouth bass, and white perch.

Snow conditions permitting, cross-country ski races, sponsored by Skowhegan Bicycle, will start at 10 a.m. Races include freestyle at 10 a.m. and a 6-kilometer classic race at 11:30 a.m. There will be five divisions by age group and gender.

A kiddie race for children age 8 and under starts at 11 a.m. Skiers should be registered a half-hour before the event.

Other events include a marshmallow roast on the ice with Skowhegan Semper Fidelis as host; a guided ski tour by Kennebec Valley Trails at 1 p.m.; snowmobile rides all day by the Skowhegan Sno-Hawks; sledding and more. Food and drinks will be served by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

At 6 p.m., a benefit supper will be held at the United Centenary Methodist Church on Dr. Mann Road in Skowhegan. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children.

Admission to the carnival is free. Races have a $3 entry fee, and the derby is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12. All proceeds will benefit the park, a nonprofit organization. For information, call 474-0708.


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