BETHEL – Described as “the Woodstock of trapper events,” the 39th annual New England Trappers Weekend will be held from Friday, Aug. 22, to Sunday, Aug. 24, at the home of organizer Neil Olson.
Olson said he started it in 1977 after he realized there was a lack of quality trapping events in the area. Trappers Weekend invites people to gather and to learn new trapping methods.
“I strongly considered not having another one, but after 38 years, I find it hard to stop a tradition that so many people enjoy,” Olson said.
Those attending the event, or participating in it, are welcome to camp overnight on Olson’s land all weekend, Olson said.
Admission is $5 for an adult, and $5 per night of camping.
Dealers can begin setting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.
On Friday, guest speakers will give presentations that include muskrat trapping, New York style fox trapping, trap preparation and animal gland removal.
From 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, there will be presentations ranging from coyote and bear trappings, to fur handling and coon dog trials.
At 9 a.m., children’s events will kick off, including a scavenger hunt, a coin scramble, a fishing contest and a coyote-calling contest for ages 6 and younger.
The weekend will wrap up at 8:30 a.m. Sunday with a church service by Pastor Lloyd Waterhouse.
Throughout the weekend, a contest for the best campsite will take place. Awards will be given for the best campsite in each of the following categories: Cleanest, Most Primitive, Most American and Most Original.
He said that after numerous complaints last year, children will have to be at their campsites after dark.
“We cannot have kids running free and crazy,” Olson said.
For more information, call Olson at 207-875-5765, email him atmemeolson@gmail.com or read the flier online at http://www.bethelmaine.com/uploads/calendar/Trappers_Weekend_2015.pdf.
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