Monson’s Snowroller event returns Feb. 15-16

MONSON — The town of Monson will hold “Snowroller 2019,” one of the county’s few family-fun winter events, on Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb 16.

Those interested in participating in the Monson American Legion Towne-Holmbom Post 116 Snowman/Snow Sculpture contest should sign up now through Feb. 12 at the town office. Entries will be judged at the address on entry form. Judging will take place between 10 a.m. and noon on Feb. 16. Prizes will be awarded to the top three sculptors. ­­

Activities will begin Feb. 15 at the Monson Gym at 6 p.m., starting with a youth basketball game to include the Monson Slaters Cheerleaders performing at halftime followed by an adult basketball game at 7 p.m.

File photo
SMOOTHING THE TRAVEL WAY — Travis Gould of Dexter and his team of work horses demonstrate Monson’s snowroller during a past Snowroller Day. A number of activities are scheduled for this year’s event on Friday, Feb. 15 and Saturday, Feb. 16 .

Saturday’s events kick off early with breakfast at the Monson Church from 7-9 a.m. Then, beginning at 10 a.m., there will be kids’ field games behind the gym until noon, at which time the Ginny Zimmerman Cribbage Tourney begins at the town office meeting space. There will be a coloring contest this year, details can be found at the post office. Also, on Saturday, families can enjoy kick sleds all day for fun with a race beginning at 2 p.m. on the ice. There will also be a sale at the library, antique sleds on display at the Lakeshore House, and the game warden and his dog will be around throughout the day as well.

There will be an all-day Scavenger hunt from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children should pick up clue papers on the town office door and turn them in by 6 p.m. in designated box at the gym.

The Monson Snowroller will be on display all day in parking lot behind the town office. Also Saturday, families can enjoy an all-day cross-country ski at the Fierce Chase Trail on the Elliotsville Road.

Then from noon to 3 p.m. at the Monson Gym, families can expect to find a bounce house, an old-time movie about slate mining, face painting, popcorn, and cotton-candy, kids’ games and plenty of food and drinks. Kids can also dress like a snowman or in another silly winter outfit and have their picture taken. Also from noon to 3 p.m. those who enjoy ice fishing can do so on the lake by the boat launch. There will be a tug of war on the lake at 3 p.m.

Beginning at noon is a National Snow Tube Curling Contest. Four- to eight-person teams may register the morning of the event, with practice time available. The individual kids’ contest begins at noon followed by Adult Nationals at 1 p.m. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to the top three teams.

There will be an “Anything that Slides” race at 4 p.m. Those who want to participate should sign up at the town office before Feb. 12 preferably; however those sign up on the day of the event must do so at least a half hour prior to the start of the race. Signs-ups will be in the gym. Rules for the race include: 1) craft must be able to slide, 2) craft cannot be motorized, 3) craft can be constructed with any material, 4) craft must not have sharp edges of any kind, 5) must display a flag with craft’s name, 6) Must have at least one rider on sled, and 7) every piece of the craft must be taken home by the owner. Ribbons will be awarded to the fastest, the slowest, the most creative, and the most comical craft. Also, there will be a prize for the most people on a sled at the finish line crossing.

From 4-7 p.m. there will be a bonfire beside the gym. While supplies last, families can roast hot dogs and marshmallows while sipping hot chocolate (no fee). There will be a “Best LIT Costume” contest with cash and prizes awarded to the most creative glow in the dark and LED costumes. For those who want to come in from the cold and enjoy a great meal, there will be live music at the Lakeshore House from 4-7 p.m. The gym will also be open from noon to 7 p.m. as a warming center and for those who need restrooms.

Those who stay to the end of the festivities will witness Monson’s first ever Wooden Moose Burning at 7 p.m. on the frozen lake.

During Piscataquis County’s sleepy winter months, this memorable event will make a fun day out for families. All are welcome.