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Free chili and cash prizes for a snow creation contest are just two of the many things Brewer is offering to chase away the winter blues at this weekend’s Penobscot River Winterfest. Drew Sachs, director of economic development in Brewer, said the event is the product of the city’s plan to create a year-round calendar of waterfront activities.
“We want to give people a reason to come down to the river and enjoy it,” Sachs said.
Friday afternoon the Muddy Rudder will kick off the event’s third year with a demonstration by two professional ice sculptors, where spectators will be able to take pictures sitting on a life-size ice snowmobile. Other sculptures will include a fishermen pulling an ice shack, a snowboarder and a speed skater without a face for people to pose behind. Saturday afternoon, five area sculptors will carve their own creations to compete for a $1,000 grand prize.
“The sculptures will remain at the Muddy Rudder lit at night, so if you miss the weekend’s event you can still see them,” Sachs said.
Along with the ice sculpture contest, the Muddy Rudder will host a chili cook-off between area restaurants. Participating restaurants will offer free samples of their chili for people to taste and vote on.
The Meddibempsters, an a cappella group from Bowdoin College, will perform at the Muddy Rudder, where a ticketed black-tie dinner and dance will be held. Doyle Field in Brewer will hold a sledding party Friday evening.
The hill will be open for sledding on Saturday as well, with ice skating and the snow creation competition taking place nearby. In an effort to attract UMaine students, planners changed the competition rules from last years event to state that at least 50 percent of the group must be 21. Last year the age was 18. Groups must be no larger than 10 people, and prizes are in the form of cash. with the grand prize at $500.
“People have to bring their own equipment, but the decorating must be tasteful,” Sachs said, laughing.
Former Boston Celtics coach Casey Jones will present the awards for the snow creations. Jones will also be available for pictures and autographs in the afternoon at the Brewer Auditorium.
Games designed for children and performances will also be held in the auditorium. Admission will be $1 and most games are free, as well as doughnuts and hot chocolate. Carol Lackedy from Wal-Mart in Brewer is in charge of the events. Proceeds will go to the Childrens Miracle Network.
“Were hoping that its going to raise money for the hospitals, for the children,” Lackedy said.
This is the first year Lackedy has helped with the event, but she has been involved with many charity activities, including a very successful Halloween affair at Spragues’ Nursery. Lackedy predicts similar expansion from Winterfest.
“It’ll grow,” she said.
Lackedy coordinates the help of volunteers from the Childrens Miracle Network, the Brewer Wal-Mart, a local teen pregnancy agency and the community. She has also contacted area high schools and UMaine for possible volunteers.
“I actually contacted whoever is in charge of Bananas,” she said.
Lackedy and Sachs both expressed interest in involving students from the university next year. While the city hopes the events will draw students, planners also hope to involve student performances in the future.
“This is part of the improvement in quality of life we need in this part of the state to keep young people here,” Sachs said. “And so people don’t go stir crazy.”
To register for the snow creation competition, visit the Winterfest link at www.brewerme.org. To volunteer for this or another charity event call Lackedy at 989-5086.
