NORWAY – Around 600 Catholic youth from all over the state will gather in the Oxford Hills the weekend of Jan. 7-9 for a winter carnival.

It’s the first time in many years the annual carnival, sponsored by the Maine Diocesan Council for Catholic Youth, has been held in the southern part of the state, said council spokesperson Bonnie Trundy.

“It’s traditionally held in Aroostook County,” she said.

Youth groups from Catholic churches in the state register through their parish to participate in the carnival.

St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Norway will be hosting the event, which will take place at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and at area winter sports venues. Participants will be housed with local families.

Although the general public will not be attending the event, Trundy said the council wants the community to be aware that it is happening because of the number of youths that will be involved.

The Jan. 7-9 event should not be confused with the annual Snowfest Jan. 29 and 30 sponsored by the Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club. The Snowfest features snowmobile radar runs on Norway Lake, among other events.