NEWPORT – As retailers from Newport to Greenville prepare for the influx of hundreds of snowmobilers as part of the annual Pine Tree Camp Ride-in, it’s snow that’s on everyone’s minds.

Set for Feb. 6-8, the ride-in has raised more than $2 million for the camp during its history.

In the past 30 years, the ride-ins with the best participation were in years when snow covered the trails and made for scenic, enjoyable riding.

“If it snows, we’ll be flooded with snowmobilers,” said Harvey Chesley, director of Pine Tree Camp in Rome. “We need to get rid of this deep freeze and bring on the snow.” He said ice and frigid cold have hampered riders from enjoying the trails this year.

Nature doesn’t appear to be on the riders’ side, however. It has snowed only three of the past 10 Feb. 7’s, according to The Farmers’ Almanac. Forecasters are predicting a 30 percent chance of snow this weekend but won’t discuss next week yet.

Although snow won’t be a necessity, Chesley said, riders are eager to ride, and a fresh snowfall for the ride-in will ensure a great turnout. More than 500 people usually participate in the three-day event.

Those people need lodging, food and gas, said Town Manager James Ricker, and they provide a much-needed midwinter boost to the local economy. “It’s not just the money spent locally,” he added. “The money is spent throughout the entire region.”

Ricker said it is not surprising to see a caravan of 60 or more snowmobiles headed north to Greenville for lunch.

Chesley estimated that riders spend $200 to $500 each over the weekend, depending on whether they require lodging.

Jeff Amoroso, owner of Bears’ One Stop, is one retailer who benefits from the ride-in. Bears’ is located on Route 7 at the southern tip of the lake, an easy ride for food and gas. The parking lot at Bears’ is often filled with snowmobiles and riders.

“The ride-in definitely brings in a lot of people,” Amoroso said Monday. “All the trail-side businesses do well.”

Those people need a place to park their trucks, cars and trailers, said Ricker. The town of Newport has leased property at Route 7 and created a 3-acre winter parking lot for the past three years.

Ricker said riders should note that property at the head of the former railroad trail on Route 7, the major ITS route to Greenville, recently was sold and has been posted against parking.

The 2004 ride-in schedule includes:

Friday, Feb. 6

4 p.m. – Registration table opens at Sebasticook Valley Community Center.

Evening auction – preview at 6 p.m. Bidding begins at 7 p.m. at SVCC.

Saturday, Feb. 7

8 a.m. — Radar run registration at SVCC; runs to be held in the cove across the street. For more information, contact Billy Sawyer at 278-4512.

9 a.m. – Radar runs begin on lake.

9 a.m. -Q-106.5 egg ride, celebrity riders will leave the Hungry Hollow ’76ers Clubhouse in Levant and arrive at the Sebasticook Valley Community Center around 10 a.m.

10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Chicken barbecue in the parking area across from the community center, sponsored by the Newport Fire Department.

1-3 p.m. – Ride-in Queen and Princess Pageant at SVCC.

3 p.m. – Snowmobile parade through downtown Newport.

4-6 p.m. – Public supper at SVCC, all proceeds to benefit Pine Tree Camp.

6 p.m. – Fireworks over Sebasticook Lake.

8 p.m. – Annual awards ceremony and Toteboard Tally at the community center.

Sunday, Feb. 8

7-10 a.m. – Fifth annual Pancake Breakfast for Pine Tree Camp at the Meridian Splendor Lodge on Route 7 in Newport.

For more information on any event, contact Harvey Chesley at (207) 443-3341.