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Bridgton's Mushers' Bowl Winter Carnival Has Something for Everyone

January 21, 2009 - BRIDGTON -- Though the Mushers’ Bowl Winter Carnival in Bridgton has added a lot of events in recent years, the dogsled races, which anchor the Carnival's second weekend, have a long history in town.

The Mushers' Bowl, held Jan. 16-25, is organized by the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages typically draw 3,000-4,000 attendees in a good snow year, according to Michael McClellan, executive director of the chamber.

Besides the dogsled races, there will be a dodgeball tournament, a wine and cheese reception, a photography contest, and the opportunity to try your hand at the biathlon, a sport that combines skiing and shooting.

All events, except for some competitions, are free with the purchase of a $1 Mushers’ Bowl Winter Carnival pin from the Chamber of Commerce office on Portland Road, as well as from other Bridgton locations.

Local attorney Mike Friedman, organizer of the dogsled races, said there have been dogsled races in Bridgton for 40 years. The race, held Jan. 26-27 at Five Fields Farm on Route 107, is part of the Downeast Sled Dog Club’s weekly circuit of races throughout Maine.

The races will include one- and two-dog skijoring and four- and six-dog sled races. In skijoring, one or two dogs pull a skier.

Though he doesn’t race himself, Friedman runs his five dogs recreationally.

“There’s nothing better than when there’s nobody around on a very cold morning and all you hear is the dog’s breath,” Friedman said.

Though his dogs won’t be racing, they will help out with dogsled rides for the public on Highland Lake Jan. 26-27. Friedman said the rides fill up quickly, so anyone interested should call the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce in advance at 647-3472 to reserve a spot. The rides cost $25 for a half hour.

“It’s a good way to get hooked on it,” Friedman said.

Five Fields Farm is a beautiful and challenging course, Friedman said. Previously the races were held at the Fryeburg fairgrounds and Highland Lake. The races can only be held if there’s at least six inches of snow, Friedman said. On Jan. 6 he was optimistic the races would run.

Friedman said usually 100 teams and 60 participants show up for the two days of racing, as well as plenty of spectators.

“Most people are amazed by how excited the dogs are at the start,” Friedman said. “The dogs love to run.”

Racing dogs are typically Alaskan Husky mixes, Friedman said, and they start training in the fall to get in shape for the season. Often entire families are involved in caring for and racing the dogs, and the same people come to Bridgton year after year to race.

“Maine has always had a local mushing community,” Friedman said.

For those who like skiing without the extra speed of dogs, there will be a biathlon the weekend before the dogsled races. A biathlon combines rifle marksmanship with cross-country skiing, and this is the second year a race will be held in Bridgton.

Coaches from the United States Olympic Biathlon team will be present to give tips on the event, which is open to anyone who wants to give it a try, Friedman said. The clinic will start at 10 a.m. on Jan. 18 at Five Fields Farm. The biathlon race will begin at 11:30 a.m. and a regular cross-country ski race will begin at 1 p.m.

For those who would rather stay indoors, there are plenty of activities and competitions to keep them busy.

For the third year, Bridgton Academy will host their Mid-winter Massacre dodgeball tournament at the Academy’s Memorial Gymnasium on Jan. 17 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

“It’s a good time. It’s family friendly. It’s dodgeball. It’s a classic,” said Admissions Director at Bridgton Academy Chris Webb, who organizes the event. Last year five teams competed in the double elimination tournament, with the winners receiving “a plaque and pride,” Webb said.

In the past some local businesses have formed teams of six to 10 people, and Bridgton Academy faculty, staff and students have formed teams as well. Following National Amateur Dodgeball Association rules, Webb said, the game is similar to the one many will remember from their childhoods. “It’s not too complex,” Webb said.

The 10-day carnival will kick off with a wine and cheese reception and open house at Gallery 302 on Main Street on Jan. 16 from 5-7 p.m.

By Julia Davis
staff writer www.keepmecurrent.com
January 15, 2009


Lakes: Highland Lake
Regions: Sebago


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