The event will be held Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at different areas in the community.

BETHEL – Activities ranging from hot air balloon rides to plunges in an icy river are expected to draw interest for the 2004 Bethel WinterFest on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 have been announced.

The Fourth Annual Snowmobile Show and Radar Run will be held at the Bethel Airport, on both days. Ride-in or trailer snowmobiles to compete in the multi-divisional radar run event which is being held both days. The latest in snowmobile equipment will be on exhibit and some antique sleds will be on display. Warm food and beverage will be provided by the Bethel Fire Department.

For more information on radar run, divisions or general event information, call the chamber office, 207-824-2282 or Sun Valley Sports at 207-824-7533. The snowmobile show is being sponsored by Oxford Networks, and Profile Motor Sports of Gorham, N.H., is sponsoring the radar run.

The hot air ballooning event will also take place on both days. Assents will be attempted Saturday and Sunday early morning and Saturday afternoon. Paid rides will be offered on a space available basis. A hot air balloon tether riding opportunity will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon at the Bethel Airport. For exact times and costs, call the chamber office.

The Fourth Annual Androscoggin River Polar Plunge is being held at noon Saturday, Jan. 31, at Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground. This raises funds for the Bethel Fire Department and the Telstar High School Girls Softball Team. Anyone may plunge for the fun of it…or sponsor sheets may be picked up at the chamber office or Bethel Outdoor Adventure at 824-4224.

The ice-carving demonstration is planned for Saturday, Jan. 31, and will show the creativeness of area restaurant chefs on the Bethel Common.

The Fourth Annual Great Snowbox Derby will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Bethel Inn XC Ski and Snowshoe Center. Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders from SAD 44 schools will compete for fastest, and/or one of the creative divisions, on the first tee at the Bethel Inn an Country Club. The event starts by 11a.m. and is finished by 1:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Oxford Networks.

There will also be other winter events happening in the area. Call 824-2282 for details or go to the Web site www.bethelmaine.com for a complete list.


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