NEWPORT – For 33 years, Pine Tree Camp administrators has looked forward to early February, when hundreds of snowmobilers come to Newport with money in their pockets.
Through fundraisers held by individual snowmobile clubs throughout central and northern Maine, more than $3 million has been raised so far to benefit the camp. Last year, the Newport event brought in more than $120,000.
This year’s Pine Tree Ride-In will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3.
Pine Tree Camp is in Rome and serves children and adults with disabilities. Maine’s snowmobilers have been supporting the camp since 1974.
“Every year, we know that hundreds of snowmobilers and friends of the camp will come out to support us,” Erin Rice of Pine Tree Society, which operates Pine Tree Camp, said Wednesday.
In recent years, some activities have had to be canceled due to a lack of snow. With just a tiny base on the ground, organizers and riders are crossing their fingers that predictions of snow for Friday are accurate.
Most of the activities will take place on or near Sebasticook Lake and the Sebasticook Valley Community Center on North Street.
From radio and other personalities riding snowmobiles with their shirts full of raw eggs, to public suppers and breakfasts, to a queen pageant, the weekend event offers something for everyone.
This year, said Rice, Dead River Co. is returning as the title sponsor of the 2007 Snowmobile Ride-in. Toyota is also a corporate sponsor.
“We are pleased to be partnering with Dead River Co. and Toyota,” said Anne Marsh, executive director of Pine Tree Society. “Because of their commitment, Maine children and adults with disabilities will be able to attend Pine Tree Camp regardless of their family’s ability to pay tuition.”
A partial schedule of events includes:
. Friday, Feb. 2: 4 p.m. snowmobile registration at the Sebasticook Valley Community Center; 7 p.m. Ride-In Auction at SVCC.
. Saturday, Feb. 3: 7 a.m. all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Hungry Hollow ’76ers Snowmobile Club in Levant; 7 a.m. annual breakfast for Pine Tree Camp, Meridian Splendor Lodge, Newport; 8 a.m. radar run registration on cove of Sebasticook Lake; 9 a.m. Q106.5 celebrity egg run from Levant to SVCC; 11 a.m. chicken barbecue at SVCC parking area; 1:30 p.m. Ride-In Queen and Princess Pageant at SVCC; 3 p.m. snowmobile parade on Route 2 in downtown Newport; 4-6 p.m. public supper at SVCC; 6 p.m. fireworks over Sebasticook Lake; 8-9 p.m. awards ceremony at SVCC.
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