NORWAY – Organizers of this weekend’s annual snowmobile races were hoping for ice, but they got an unexpected bonus of a foot or more of snow.

“I think it should be a good thing,” said Russ Newcomb of the Norway Trackers Snowmobile Club, which sponsors the annual Oxford Hills Snowfest on Lake Pennesseewassee near the Little Red School House on Route 118.

The annual event that was canceled last month due to record-high warm weather, was rescheduled for Saturday and Sunday. It was the first time the event had to be rescheduled in the past 10 years.

Snowfest is the club’s major fundraising event of the year. Proceeds are used to maintain the club’s 35 miles of trails in Norway.

The two-day event includes three classes of snowmobile drag racing on ice and snow beginning at 10:15 a.m. and three classes of radar runs from 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Both events, which are held on 660-foot-long tracks, are preceded by sign-ups. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Newcomb said the unexpected snow is a plus for racers who prefer to race on snow rather than ice. “We need both snow and ice, but true racing folks prefer ice,” he noted.

Those who may be looking to settle an old score with a particular person in a lighthearted manner can also enter the “grudge” matches, which will be held during the day.

Besides races, an antique snowmobile show will be held on Sunday with a parade of vehicles at noon. Trophies will be awarded by spectator votes. All show snowmobiles must be at least 25 years old.

Also, a Chowder Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the Little Red School House.

There will also be a chance to win up to four certificates for $5,000 each, redeemable at a Maine snowmobile dealership, plus dozens of gift certificates for lodging, merchandise and services. The Norway Trackers will be selling the Maine Snowmobile Association Super Raffle tickets for $2 each all weekend at the food tent as well as at the Chowder Fest at the Little Red School House by the beach. The drawing for the winners will be held on Feb. 20 at the MSA’s monthly director’s meeting.

There will also be snowmobile demonstration rides by Yamaha. People will be able to sign a release and ride one of several models of the Yamaha sleds for a test drive on the lake. For more information on the demonstration rides call Ken’s Yamaha at 207-743-8256 and ask for Ken or Dianne.

For more information on the races, phone Richard at 207-527-2175 or Stan at 207-743-6483.