Moosestompers carnival to kick off in Houlton

HOULTON – The seventh annual Moosestompers Weekend kicks off Friday, Feb. 6, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 8.

Planning for this year’s Moosestompers Weekend – Houlton’s annual winter carnival – began in March 2003, Chris Batby, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce administrator, said late last week. The Chamber has created a schedule of events to appeal to participants of all ages.

“We have geared it so that everyone who wants to be involved in the events this year can be,” Batby said. “We are also having the Moosestompers Ball in both Houlton and Monticello so that more people can have a chance to attend.”

Events begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, with a spaghetti dinner at the Linneus Sno-Sports Clubhouse, just off Route 2A.

Families can enjoy two hours of free ice skating at the Millar Civic Center in Houlton, followed by a bonfire at Community Park after a snowmobile parade through town.

On Saturday, the festivities begin early with a buffet breakfast scheduled from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Meduxnekeag Ramblers Snowsled Club on the Wiley Road in Littleton. The Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run will again be held for both walkers and runners, with walkers starting at 10:45 a.m. and runners beginning at 11 a.m. The race starts and ends at the Millar Civic Center.

Other events on Saturday include the Moosestompers Poker Run beginning at 7 a.m., a free screening of Disney’s “Big Bear” at the Temple Theatre, a baked bean supper at the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum in Littleton, and a teriyaki chicken supper with a jazz music performance at the Houlton Lodge of Elks.

The Moosestompers Ball begins in both locations at 9 p.m., with the band Black Moon playing at The Lounge Downunder in Houlton, and the Rivertown Band featured at the Monticello Fish and Game Club.

The carnival ends Sunday after a snowmobile trail ride beginning at 12:30 p.m. in Community Park, and a family skating night scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Millar Civic Center.

For a complete schedule of events, contact the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce at 532-4216 or visit its Web site at www.greaterhoulton.com/moosestompers.