Somerset SnowFest is a celebration of all things winter! We're maximizing our beautiful outdoor spaces for both residents and visitors to enjoy via a variety of events and activities.

Featuring a range of activities including an ice-fishing derby, kite-flying derby, downhill kayak race, winter triathlon, and one of the Northeast’s only equestrian skijoring competition, this is a not-to-be-missed winter festival. SnowFest takes place in southern Somerset County, Maine, in the heart of the beautiful Kennebec River Valley.

Schedule

February 17, 2024

9:00 am : Kids Box Sled Derby presented by KVCAP - Lake George Regional Park West, Skowhegan

Start working on those box sleds and join us on the hill for some friendly competition. We're building the hill up bigger and better than last year so plan on some great fun!

9:00 am : Ice Hole World Championships presented by Hammond Lumber Company - Lake George Regional Park East (boat launch area)

Ice Hole is the game for ice fishermen (and women)--and anyone who likes to spend their winters out on the lake. It's simple, drill two shallow holes, 33 feet apart, and start tossing the puck. Sort of like cornhole but with a few more playing-field challenges!

9:00 am : Beer Garden presented by Bigelow Brewing Co. - Lake George Regional Park West

Featuring Bigelow Brewing Co. craft brews, the beer garden is open to anyone enjoying Lake George for the day/evening. There will be a fire pit and "lawn" games to complement the many activities happening at the park!

12:00 pm : Downhill Kayak Race presented by Bee Line Cable - Lake George Regional Park West

Exactly how it sounds. Competitors will fly down the hill at Lake George West in whitewater kayaks. The fastest time of two runs wins. There will also be prizes for the best outfit and cleanest run. Spectators are welcome to come and watch the race.

Kite Festival
Triathlon

February 18, 2024

5:30 am - 3:00 pm : Ice-Fishing Derby presented by Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union - Lake George Regional Park East, Skowhegan/Canaan

Cash prizes for the first and second-largest fish per species!

10:00 am - 2:00 pm : Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides presented by Ware-Butler - Coburn Park

Enjoy FREE horse-drawn sleigh rides around Skowhegan's beautiful Coburn Park with Seavey Farm and Skowhegan Outdoors!

February 19, 2024 - TBD

February 20, 2024

12:00 - 4:00 pm : Yeti Hunt - Lake George Regional Park, East

Join the Skowhegan Outdoors team to find the Yeti hiding in the trails at Lake George Regional Park. We will have to be careful as we embark through the trails. Yetis are known for being shy, and they blend in so well during this time of year! This makes them experts when it comes to hiding from people. We look forward to seeing you there and helping us track down the Yeti!

February 21, 2024

12:00 - 2:00 pm : Fun Day in the Park with Skowhegan Outdoors and REACH - Coburn Park

Join the Skowhegan Outdoors fun snow day. Our big activity for the afternoon will be creating snow art. There will be several different colors to allow participants to express their creativity. When you get chilly from building your snow art, there will be a fire going and hot cocoa provided to help warm you up. Register here!

February 22, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm : Snowshoe Stroll and Story Walk with Skowhegan Outdoors and Move More Kids - Wesserunsett Stream Preserve

Join Skowhegan Outdoors and Move More Kids for a snowshoe and story walk adventure along the snowy Wesserunsett Stream Preserve trails!

3:00 pm : Nine and Wine - Lakewood Golf Course (Madison)

The Jim Browne Foundation is returning their popular Summer NINE and WINE for SnowFest! Rather than play nine holes of golf, instead, ski or snowshoe a 9K, (or as much as you want), on the groomed trails of Lakewood Golf Course while enjoying the sunset. After your ski, join us at the bonfire for spiked hot cider or a hot mocktail cider and snacks. $10.00 per person; all proceeds benefit the Jim Browne Foundation.

February 23, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm : Cross-Country Ski Clinic with Skowhegan Outdoors - Lakewood Golf Course

Join Skowhegan Outdoors for an afternoon of gliding through the snow. Enjoy an easy workout while having fun in the outdoors. As we progress through the weeks, we will continue to build upon the skills that we have learned. We hope you’ll see a great improvement in your cross-country ski skills and comfort levels by attending consecutive sessions!

February 24, 2024

11:00 am - 4:00 pm : Skijor Skowhegan presented by Baxter Brewing Company - Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan

We'll bring spectators back to the fairgrounds for 2023 to watch skiers and snowboards navigate a groomed track outfitted with gates, jumps, and rings while being pulled by a rope behind a horse and rider! Register your team here.

Parking is $20 per car but otherwise free for spectators.

11:00 am - 4:00 pm : Food Vendors - Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan

Purchase food from one of several on-site vendors to enjoy while watching the race. Truckin' Good Food will serve American classics including hamburgers, hot dogs, and their MUST-try bacon cheeseburger. Maine Grain Alliance will feature stuffed naan. Lake George Regional Park will warm your insides with chili and soup, and Joe's Flat Iron Cafe will round out the menu with hot cocoa and coffee.

11:00 am - 5:00 pm : Beer Garden at The Stable during Skijor Skowhegan presented by Baxter Brewing Company - The Stable, Skowhegan Fairgrounds, Skowhegan.

Enjoy Skijor Skowhegan trackside at The Stable next to the Grandstands.

Skijor Skowhegan Awards presented by Franklin Savings Bank
Immediately following the race.

Header photo: Box sled race, courtesy Johnathan Wheaton Photography

Date : February 17 - 24, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Maine

Click here for more information.