Spring?

I had such high hopes for an early spring since February was so brutally cold, but it looks like March is coming in more like a Siberian Tiger than a Lion. This frigid weather is trying my patience, my usually sparkling demeanor, and definitely my wallet. I’m sure many of you are feeling the pain, too.

As those of us who have endured many winters in Maine know though, it can turn warm in the blink of an eye. I may be grumpy and cold, but I remain optimistic that the crocus and snowbells will be pushing toward the spring sun soon, the southern birds will begin their long trip home, and the chipmunks will peek out of their hopefully well-stocked burrows. I’ll probably try to kiss the first one I see. Patience, friends. As the poet Pablo Neruda said, “You can cut all the flowers but you cannot stop spring from coming.”

Winter Carnival

The bright sun was only a tease because the water in Highland Lake was frigid as the dozens of jumpers took a swim for Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, but the cold weather didn’t keep people off the streets. Hordes of families rode through town on horse-drawn carriages and took sled-dog rides, and judging by the traffic many people came here from elsewhere to participate in the festivities.

This year’s Winter Carnival was a huge success, with organizers selling more $5 buttons than ever before. Many local businesses donated great prizes including gift certificates, goods and services, and even a 55-inch TV. If you bought a ticket you should contact the Bridgton-Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, where the entire list of winners is available. Either give them a call with your button number at 647-3472 or go to their website at www.mainelakeschamber.com. You must show your button to claim your prize. There is a very long list of winners, and you could be one. Good luck!

Lakes Region’s Got Talent

The stars were out at the Magic Lantern’s Mayfair Theater last week as the local talent contest was whittled down even further.

Congratulations to Shannon Fillebrown, Jessica Frum, Lily Schofield and Christian Martin, all of whom wowed the crowd and will compete at the finals with last week’s winners. The final six performers will compete on Sunday, March 9, to determine who will be named the top 3 Lakes Region Talents. Sponsored by the Lake Region Community Theater, the contestants are vying for a chance to win a share of more than $1,000 in cash and prizes.

The show starts at 1 p.m. and tickets are available at the door and are free for under 5, $5 for ages 6-12 and $10 for ages 13 and older. The performances will also be televised on Lake Region TV after the show, so check out www.lakeregiontv.org for the viewing schedule.

Budding Artists

Even more young talent abounds in Bridgton as the Gallery 302 hosts its annual Student Art Show with an opening night reception on Saturday, March 8. The show runs through March 27 and promises to spotlight some impressive works in mixed media, sculpture, portraiture and conceptual art. Check out the website at www.gallery302.info.

Frosty Still Floats

What a difference a few years makes…Ice Out on Moose Pond in 2011 was the earliest ever recorded, before winter was even technically over. Poor Frosty might still be iced in until May this year. But that’s what makes this game so challenging.

The Bridgton Community Center’s annual Ice Out Contest tickets are on sale now, and are only $2 each or six for $10. Simply guess the date of ICE OUT on Moose Pond and win half of the ticket sales, with the rest going to fund the BCC’s yearly programs. This classic 50/50 gets more popular by the year, and your odds of winning are far better than the lottery. Tickets are available at the Chamber, the BCC, and many businesses throughout town. Support a great local cause and have a little extra money in your pocket to pay the plow guy…It’s a win-win!

Afford Your Care

The Affordable Care Act has proven to be intimidating to many applicants, but there is a program here to help you navigate the paperwork and applications.

Amy March, Certified Health Insurance Navigator, is available to help in the Bridgton/Denmark area. Not only is she skilled in the intricacies of the program, she can also help you apply for health insurance if you are currently uninsured. This is a free program and open to all. She will be available at the Bridgton Community Center by appointment, call 647-3116.

Erin Go Bragh

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church hosts their incredibly popular Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper on Saturday, March 15, from 5-7 p.m. This dinner, with all the traditional Irish fixin’s, is a sell-out every year so you are urged to buy tickets ahead of time.

Tickets are only $12 for adults, and seating is limited to 125 people. Call the church at 647-2334.

The impending Streetscape Project for Depot Street in Bridgton promises to make this year’s Village Folk Festival even more fun-filled and fabulous than last.