It was great to see Bridgton make front page news about the booming ski business this season. Judging by the crowds at Shawnee Peak, the skiers are coming up in droves and energizing the economy of the Lakes Region as they do so.

Mike McClellan and the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce have also done a great job promoting the Winter Carnival; I have heard ads for it on the radio and seen the Musher’s Bowl brochures everywhere. The weather is fine, the sun is shining, and it looks like this year’s event will be the best ever. I have said before that Bridgton is in its element in winter with all the snow-covered hills and lakes, and we are fortunate to have this mid winter festival to show other people why it is so special here.

Snowflakes and Streetlights

Have you strolled through downtown Bridgton after dark lately? If not, bundle up and hit the streets – it looks prettier than ever! Many thanks go to Jim Kidder and the Bridgton Public Works Department, who have done an outstanding job of not just keeping the sidewalks clear after all the storms we’ve had, but also keeping the “snowflake” lights up on the lampposts lining Main Street.

I am so glad that they chose to leave them up and cultivate the “ski town” feel of our town, and it is a sure bet that all the people driving up Route 302 from Portland and south to go to Shawnee Peak notice it too. After the bland banality of most of their drive, seeing Main Street with it’s cheerful glow is yet another way that Bridgton shines.

The Thrill of Victory…

Someone has to emerge victorious in the upcoming elections, and Roxy Hagerman is hoping it is the Republicans. Hagerman, chairman of the Bridgton Republican Caucus, is inviting all interested voters to participate in the Cumberland County elections, including the Bridgton Caucus, this Friday at the Municipal Building at 3 Chase Street at 6 p.m.

At issue is not only a “straw poll” to choose the Republican presidential nominee but also the local congressional race to support the candidate running for the seat Tom Allen is vacating as he challenges Susan Collins for her Senate seat. Both Dean Scontras and Charlie Summers have mounted campaigns, and the caucus will help choose one of them to run.

Hagerman said, “We need 11 delegates and two alternates to caucus so we really need people to participate. It also gives them the opportunity to voice their presidential preference.” Maine Rep. Rick Sykes and Sen. Dave Hastings will also be on hand, and dessert and coffee will be served. This is an exciting and possibly historic election year, and here is your opportunity to have your say in the state’s political process. For more information, call Roxy Hagerman at 647-3551.

…And the Agony of Defeat

While I am proud of Team Black Horse’s third place showing at the “Mid-Winter Massacre” dodgeball tourney last Saturday at Bridgton Academy, I have to admit that we were simply out-thrown and out-dodged by both the Bridgton Academy team and McClellan’s chamber team.

Not only did these guys look like they get more exercise before breakfast than I get in a week, but the academy team actually had a major league baseball player in their line-up. Yep, none other than Dave Bush of the Milwaukee Brewers, and he dodged and threw with vicious precision and stealth. That eased the pain a little bit. And don’t let McClellan’s mild-mannered demeanor fool you, that guy has some serious chops.

We all had a blast, and no one got too hurt; only our pride was bruised. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us, and I hope to see you all this weekend at the other great Winter Carnival events.

Mush

This weekend brings even more Winter Carnival fun, including Harvest Hills’ big fundraiser “Freezing For a Reason” Saturday at Highland Lake and the Musher’s Bowl dogsled races at Five Fields Farm on Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27. You can also sign up now for the 30-minute dogsled rides on Highland Lake this weekend by calling the chamber at 647-3472.

Since the lake is frozen this year the event fills up fast so call today to reserve a ride for your family. It is a unique experience and it should be a beautiful weekend. Do not forget the ping-pong tournament on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bridgton Town Hall; you can download an application at www.mushersbowl.com.

This tournament is for all levels and really draws competitors from away. Trophies will be awarded in three categories, and there are great prizes to win including $100 worth of gift certificates from Peking Restaurant in North Conway, N.H. If it is anything like the dodgeball tourney, better prepare for some formidable opponents – bring your winning paddle. Admission is free with your Winter Carnival button to watch the games, and it’s just $5 to enter.

Finally, check out the Broomball Tournament Sunday morning at Highland Beach. The last time we had ice this good, there were seven teams competing. The next year, 12 signed up but the event was cancelled due to the spring-like weather that put the kibosh on the whole carnival. For more information and to register, call the chamber at 647-3472.

LEA Lunch and Book Discussion

The LEA is continuing their Lunchtime Book Discussion Series, focusing on works dedicated to the outdoor environment. Bring your lunch to the Lakes Environmental Association office on Main Street Monday, Jan. 28 for a free discussion of Richard

Louv’s “Last Child In The Woods.”

The book focuses on what Louv calls “Nature Deficit Disorder” and addresses ways to get kids back outdoors by healing the broken bond between children and nature. It is available at the Bridgton Library and should be an interesting read. The number at Lakes Environmental Association is 647-8580 if you have any questions.