Have you ever heard of a town that hauls snow BACK into Main Street and brings a groomer downtown to smooth it out? Well, welcome to downtown Millinocket. The kickoff for Winterfest each year is a snowmobile parade right down the center of town. All kinds of sleds are welcomed to ride through town to the park where there is a bonfire. Small town USA seems big on this night with families and friends gathering to share an interest in a sport that’s great for our local economy.
Besides some new and vintage sleds there are also many antique sleds (sled built 1968 or earlier). There is a local club with antique sleds and they enjoy riding their “Iron Dogs” in this parade and putting them on display in the park. Millinocket has a long history with antique Polaris Snowtravelers which dates back to the early the 60’s because Polaris started testing their Snowtravelers here in Millinocket. The Northern Timber Cruisers house many antique sleds in a museum next to their club house. If you are planning a trip for the week of February 15th you should consider coming for the Winterfest and great riding on the trails around the Katahdin region.
Check out this video of the parade:
The Jo Mary trails have a good snow pack and because many trails around the state have not had snow, sledders are flocking to this area. I have not seen so many folks out on the trails as I have this weekend. When you read this article in the March newsletter I hope there will have been more snowfall to keep the trails good for spring riding.
One last item I want to let you know about is that we are using PAYPAL on our web site. If you have not used PAYPAL you should – it is quick and easy. If you want to join the club or make a donation to our trail system you can use your credit card and make your payment on line. Go to our web site and try it. I want to thank the numerous individuals and businesses who have used PAYPAL to donate to the club trail fund. Your donations have helped us keep the connector trail to Millinocket groomed.
Pat Catell, Club Secretary/Treasurer