Thanks to
our sponsors:

Schedule of Events, 2010

Sponsored by:

March 1, 2010 Update The Ice Skating Rink, Snow Maze, and Penquin Scultpure Sliding Shoot are done for the winter.  (sigh)  It was great fun while it lasted for many adults and children!  Now on to warmer weather activities - until next winter. It was open continually, weather permitting, days and evenings at Festival Plaza, 37 Cross Street, Bethel, Maine.  Bring your own skates, or borrow some of the donated skates in the box outside  The Hut.. The Hut at the Skating Rink was open occasionally with heat, hot drinks, and food. (And area restaurants welcome you - many in walking distance.)  The skating rink was in Festival Plaza which is the empty lot at     37 Cross Street, Bethel.  (SnowWoman lot) across from the movie theater in town, Casablanca Cinema 4, and near the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. Washrooms available at chamber during business hours. Parking is at the rink or in the lot across the street from Western Maine Supply, behind the movie theater.  Made completely by volunteers, the ice rink was WEATHER DEPENDENT and volunteer dependent!  The Chamber of Commerce did its best to keep everyone informed of conditions. Call 207-824-2282. Snow Maze:  March 1, 2010 update:  quite melted and dirty. Waaah!

Sledding Hill around the Penguin Snow Sculpture:
March 1, 2010 update:  quite melted and dirty. Waaah!
Renowned snow sculptor, Ed Jarrett built this on Festival Plaza,
37 Cross Street, Bethel.  Slide down the 20'  long sliding shoot complete with a 2-ton, 8-foot-long carving of a laughing penguin sliding on its belly!  Many thanks to Brooks Bros., Inc. for the donated sleds for sliders to borrow!  It was great fun for all! 

Saturday, Jan. 23:

FREE Snowshoe demonstration and scavenger hunt on Festival Plaza, compliments of True North Adventureware and Tubbs Snowshoes. 10am - 3pm.  We will be there ready to provide snowshoes and will have a fun course to navigate.  Find out why snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing winter activities.  FMI:  207-824-2201.

Bethel Historical Society exhibit featuring "The History of Skiing in the Bethel Area," Robinson House, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine, across from the town common.  10am-4pm. Free admission.  FMI: www.bethelhistorical.org

FREE Guided Snowshoe Tours:  with $5 snowshoe rental, and
FREE Nordic Skiing Clinic at the Bethel Nordic Ski Center at the Bethel Inn Resort, 21 Broad St., Bethel, Maine, 9am - 4:30pm.  FMI: 207-824-6276. www.caribourecreation.com

Snowtubing from 5 - 9pm at Mt. Abram Resort, $10 per person. www.skimtabram.com

Last Chance Qualifier at Mt. Abram for the Main Street Rail Jam (held on Jan. 28).
This qualifier will determine 20 athletes for the Main Street Rail Jam - 10 skiers and 10 snowboarders.

Cost: $15 plus a discounted Mt. Abram lift ticket for the Qualifier.
FMI: contact Kevin Rosenberg at Mt. Abram, 207-875-5000 ext. 315. www.skimtabram.com 308 Howe Hill Road, Greenwood, Maine.

50 athletes total will participate in the Main Street Rail Jam on Thursday evening, Jan. 28 (25 skiers and 25 snowboarders). Pinnacle Snowboard Shop will invite 15 skiers and 15snowboarders. The other ten spots in each category will be decided at this qualifier race.

Ice Sculpture Demonstration:  Watch local ice carvers create amazing works of art!  10am - 2pm on the Bethel common, 3 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine.  The ice creations will be on display on the gazebo through out WinterFest.  FMI:  207-824-2282.

 Sunday, Jan. 24:

Nordic Skiing and Snowshoeing Events:

Old Timers 10K Ski Tour at Carter's XC Ski Center on 786 Intervale Road, Bethel, Maine. 10am with a potluck lunch to follow. Awards for the oldest skier. $14 adults, $10 children and seniors. FMI 207-539-4848.  www.cartersxcski.com

Beginner Biathlon Clinic & Race at Bethel Nordic Ski Center, 21 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine, in cooperation with the US Biathlon Association.  Clinic is from noon to 2pm; race is at 2pm.  FMI: 207-824-6276.  www.caribourecreation.com

Mt. Dew Vertical Challenge at Mt. Abram Resort. 8am.  FMI: www.skimtabram.com

Bethel Historical Society exhibits, Robinson House, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine, open
1- 4pm.  www.bethelhistorical.org

Sunday-Friday, Jan. 24-29:

Alpine Skiing Events: Go50 Week 2010 at Sunday River (5-day ski week) A mid-winter celebration for skiers and riders ages 50 and over. Activities include a welcome reception, mountain tours, dinner specials, and a sock hop. Packages includes five nights lodging, a five-day lift ticket and free daily Perfect Turn clinics. Sunday arrival with a Friday departure. Daily rates are also available and start at $69 per person per night. FMI: 800-543-2SKI.  www.sundayriver.com  Skiway Road, Newry, Maine

Tuesday-Friday, Jan. 26-29:

Bethel Historical Society exhibits, Robinson House, 10 Broad St., Bethel, Maine, open 10am - 4pm.  Free admission.  FMI: www.bethelhistorical.org or call 207-824-2809.

Thursday, Jan. 28:

Main Street Rail Jam:  151 Main Street, Bethel, Maine, 6 - 9pm. Free spectator event -- come watch terrific skiers and snowboarders compete.  The event will take place on the street between the Sudbury Inn & Homeslice Pizza on lower Main Street.  Awards immediately following the event.    Registration (for qualifiers): 2-5pm, Homeslice Pizza, 177 Main Street, Bethel, $25 and must wear helmet during competition.  There are a few competitor spots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Pizza available for racers.  Awards "9pm-ish."  FMI: 207-824-2282.

Friday-Sunday, Jan. 29-31:

Friday, Jan. 29:

Laser Tag Tournament at BIG Adventure Center
Come join in the Bethel WinterFest activities by entering the Laser Tag Tournament at BIG  starting at 8pm on Friday.  Pre-registration not required.  Four-person teams - two loss elimination - $50.  Winners receive: 4 full-day passes to Oxford Plains Tubing Park and passes for 12 free games of Laser Tag at BIG A.  www.thebigadventurecenter.com  FMI: 207-824-0929.

Saturday, Jan. 30:

Snow Groomer Rides:  compliments of the Greenstock Snowmobile Club at the corners of Main & Cross Streets, Bethel, Maine. 10am - 4pm.  FREE. www.greenstocksnowsports.com

Bethel Historical Society exhibit featuring "The History of Skiing in the Bethel Area,"  Robinson House, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine, across from the town common.  10am-4pm.  Free admission.  FMI:  www.bethelhistorical.org

The Versatile Carnation - Free Indoor WinterFest Activity at Pooh Corner Farm. 
Join us beside the woodstove for a demonstration using carnations (January Birth Flower). Learn how to use carnations to make a snowball, pomander, snowman & ice cream soda. Unique arrangements: topiary, grouping, a dozen arranged, or a bridal bouquet.  Children will make a tissue paper carnation to take home.  Learn the meaning of the carnation, the unique colors available, how to keep cut carnations, paint and dye them to show the possibilities.  Ongoing from 11am until closing at 5pm.  207-836-FARM.  www.poohfarm.com

Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, 3-4:30pm.
at the Bethel village common near the Bethel Inn Resort.   and
at Wilderness House (Sunday River XC Ski Center), 23 Skiway Road, Newry.   
Adults - $10 / Children 12 & under - $5.  Locations subject to change.

CANCELLED -- Full Moon Relay Race: 6pm, registration starts at 5pm at Bethel Nordic Ski Center, 21 Broad St., Bethel, Maine.  Adult 1 km and youth (ages 7-11).5 km.  $16 entry for team or $4 per person plus a dessert.  FMI 207-824-6276. www.caribourecreation.com

Full Moon Hike on Snowshoes at Mt. Abram Resort, 308 Howe Hill Rd., Greenwood, Maine:  6pm departure. 1hr. 45 min. round-trip, cheese & crackers at the top. FREE.  FMI: 207-875-5000 ext. 315. www.skimtabram.com

Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides at The Bethel Inn Resort, 21 Broad St., Bethel, Maine.  1/2 hour rides from 5 - 7pm.  Admission:  Adults - $15; Children 12 & under - $12.  Reservations recommended.  FMI:  207-824-2175 ext. 0.  www.bethelinn.com

HOT AIR BALLOON  MOON GLOW AT FESTIVAL PLAZA!  6pm.
Come enjoy the beauty of tethered, colorful, lit balloons against the dark sky. Don't miss this unique event!  Great photo opp!

Sunday, Jan 31:

 Mt. Abram Marathon (Hike & Ski), 9:30am.  308 Howe Hill Rd., Greenwood, Maine.
This race will be a true test to winter diehards. A hike, ski, hike, ski --  that's right,  two climbs to the top and two descents of the mountain. You can use whatever equipment to climb and to descend the mountain, but you must carry it throughout the entire race. There are three divisions: recreational, performance, and rando mountaineering. The cost is $15 pre-registration and $25 day-of. You can register by emailing kevinr@skimtabram.com or call 207-875-5000 ext 315. www.skimtabram.com

Bethel Historical Society exhibit featuring "The History of Skiing in the Bethel Area,"
Robinson House, 10 Broad St., Bethel, across from the town common.
open 1 - 4pm.   FMI: 207-824-2908.  www.bethelhistorical.org

For complete information on the Bethel Area including where to stay, where to eat, and things to do all year round, go to www.bethelmaine.com

Bethel WinterFest 2010 is presented by Norway Savings Bank
and organized by the
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce