NEWRY — Rumors that snow is flying have been confirmed, even if it is man-made snow.

Sunday River Ski Resort announced it began a two-day, preseason snow-making test on Thursday. The resort fired off 50 snow guns across T2 trail at the top of Locke Mountain.

Darcy Morse, director of communications for Sunday River, said if the temperature is low enough, the resort will blast an additional 50 guns across its Sunday Punch and Lower Sunday Punch trails on Friday to complete the test.

Morse said that due to the resort’s series of quality-control tests for snow-making, Sunday River has been the first ski resort to open on the East Coast for four consecutive years.

Last winter, the resort opened for skiing on Oct. 24, making it the first ski resort open in the country, and also held the record for the longest ski season on the East Coast. Sunday River stayed open six months and six days for the 2010 season.

Ski enthusiasts said a run down the mountain on opening day in 2010 made for a spectacular scenic view with the mix of snow and fall foliage.

This weekend, when temperatures are expected to reach 80 degrees, the resort will hold its annual fall festival.

The festival will include events such as the favorite North American Wife Carrying Championship; free outdoor concerts; an arts and crafts festival; a peak to peak race, which will include 4-, 7-, and 11-mile courses; a wine-tasting; and a taste of Maine event, among other activities.

For more information, call 824-3000 or visit www.sundayriver.com.