BRIDGTON – The recent snowstorm is just what Bridgton needed as it prepares to kick off the Musher’s Bowl on Friday.

The event will take place through Jan. 27, although nothing is scheduled for Jan. 22.

Janet Verplanck, office manager with the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, said the event has expanded.

“Usually in the past it’s just been a weekend event,” she said, “but obviously it’s grown.”

New events hosted by the chamber are a 5-kilometer biathlon race on Sunday and an ice sculpting competition on Monday.

Several other organizations and businesses are hosting events to coincide with the festivities.

Friday’s events include an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gallery 302, and free ice skating from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the town rink on North High Street. On Saturday, the Stevens Brook Elementary School will host the second annual Community Cultural Celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bridgton Academy will hold a dodgeball tournament from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On Sunday, a biathlon clinic will take place at 10 a.m. at Fryer’s Farm on Fosterville Road, followed by a 5-kilometer biathlon race at 11:30 a.m. and a 5-kilometer cross-country ski race at 2 p.m. Skiers may pre-register by calling 647-2425 or register at the event starting at 8:30 a.m.

Monday’s events include an ice sculpting competition starting at 8 a.m. at the Stevens Brook Elementary School. The winner will participate in the national championships. An ice sculpting clinic, open to the public, will begin at 1 p.m.

On Wednesday, the Musher’s Bowl Teen Talent Search will take place at 7 p.m. at the Lake Region High School. Admission is $5. Proceeds go toward Project Graduation.

Police officers and firefighters will face off in a basketball game on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Bridgton Academy.

On Friday, Stevens Brook Elementary will host the Winter Carnival Variety Show, which begins at 7 p.m.

The Musher’s Bowl concludes with two traditional winter carnival days at Five Fields Farm on Saturday and Sunday. Events include dogsled rides, skijoring, horse-drawn wagon rides, a snowshoe hike, a ping-pong tournament, and stargazing.

Verplanck said visitors may purchase a Musher’s Bowl button for $1, which will allow free access to certain events.

A complete schedule of events is available online at www.mushersbowl.com. For more information, contact the Greater Bridgton Lakes Chamber at 647-3472.