RANGELEY — The annual Snodeo begins Thursday, Jan. 19, with the Chili Chowder Cook-off sponsored by the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce at The Gingerbread House in Oquossoc.

The Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club welcomes participants and observers to the annual winter festival, which has been held for more than 20 years. The event marks the first of three days of activities, including the Rock Maple Cross-Country Race and the Pro-Vintage Championships.

Preregistration for the Rock Maple Racing Cross Country Race and Pro-Vintage Championships will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Steven A. Bean Municipal Airport. Preregistrations are also available online at rockmapleracing.com and provintagechampionship.com.

Casino night starts at 7 p.m. at Bald Mountain Camps in Oquossoc on opening night.

The annual live auction featuring Larry Koob at Moose Alley, headquarters for Snodeo, will also be held Friday. All proceeds go directly to grooming operations for the club.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, manufacturer demos will be held at participating dealers. Dom’s Auto and Jeep Repair on Main Street will do MotoTrax demos.

The Gingerbread House will hosting a gingerbread men-making contest, and SnowSource, a Rangeley business dealing in snow-related products ranging from old skiis to weather sticks, will roast marshmallows next to Haley Pond. Harrison Family Riders will host Radar Runs on Haley Pond. Sign-up will be at Haley Pond starting at 8 a.m.

The Rock Maple Cross Country Race on Saturday is a 5-mile event, and the Pro-Vintage (vintage and 120cc) will be a third-mile track. Gates open at 6:30 a.m. for racers and 8 a.m. for the public. Ticket prices are $10/per person and parking is free. Children under 12 will be admitted free of charge. 

Vendors will be set up in a heated hangar area next to the race. Vendors include Bald Mountain Camps, Hight Ford & Chevy, Boss Power Equipment, Oquossoc Marine and Backwoods BMP.

Vendor space is still available.

Following the race, Boss Power will host the Ravex Jumpers starting at 2 p.m. at Boss Power’s parking lot on Main Street.

For the latest information, go to rangeleysnowmobile.com.

All events are subject to change because of weather.