NORWAY – Balmy temperatures melted snow and ice Saturday afternoon at Lake Pennessewassee, but attracted few spectators to a snowmobile drag race, the first of several events in this weekend’s Oxford Hills Snowfest.
With 140 competing, there were more racers than spectators, Norway Trackers President Herb Kennison of Norway said Saturday while racers continued to speed, in noisy, timed heats, down the 660-foot-long ice raceway.
“I thought there would be more of a crowd than racers,” he said, “but, I expect we’ll have more spectators tomorrow. Sunday is when we usually draw the big crowds for our parade and chowder fest.”
The Snowfest is sponsored by the Trackers snowmobile club, which uses the money raised for groomers, building bridges, trail system work, and advertising.
“We can make $4,000 easily. Last year we made $7,500 on the weekend, both days combined,” Kennison said.
Sunday’s events include radar runs, an antique snowmobile parade, and antique snowmobile show.
Additionally, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Trackers club house at Norway Lake, a chowder fest is to be held, featuring homemade chowders, soups, chili, breads, desserts and beverages . The all-you-can-eat cost for adults is $6, $3 for children.
“The Snowfest is good for all in the region, especially at this time of the year with nobody making any money. It brings a lot of money into town for gas, hotels, and restaurants,” Kennison said of their seventh annual event.
Comments are no longer available on this story