FARMINGTON — Selectmen decided last week to have the town collaborate with three other entities on a grant application supporting the 2025 Moose Festival, planned for next June in Farmington.

The grant application is a good opportunity for the region, according to Brent West, executive director of High Peaks Alliance (HPA).

The Maine Office of Tourism is making a last-ditch effort for American Rescue Plan Act funding, and West came to the Select Board last Tuesday to ask support for the Moose Festival, which he hopes will become an annual Outdoor Heritage Festival.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which draws names in the annual moose hunting lottery during the Moose Festival, the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and a steering committee for the festival are other partners in the proposal, according to officials.

With so many partners, West said, there could be a greater chance of obtaining funding.

“There are about 70,000 applicants per year,” West said. “They give out about 3,000 (moose permits).”

The High Peaks have a big percentage of moose, he said, and are iconic for this region.

Years ago, someone came up with the idea to hold a Moose Festival when the names are drawn, West said. Rangeley, Bethel and Skowhegan have all held one. Skowhegan broke the world record for the number of people moose calling at once, he said, adding, “I am a world record holder.”

A couple of different venues are being considered for where to hold the festival, JP Fortier, executive director of the chamber, said.

“We are building a committee of folks interested in pulling it off,” he said.

The lottery drawing is scheduled for June 21, 2025.

West and Fortier are cohosting the festival. An agenda is being built around the moose lottery, Fortier said, and the festival can be “whatever we want to make it.”

After 2025, it could become an outdoor festival that can keep going, he said.

“Outdoor heritage is big in this neck of the woods,” he added.

Ideas being considered for the festival include having local restaurants as vendors and holding video contests at the Narrow Gauge Cinemas.

About 6,000 people attended the Skowhegan festival, and Fort Kent had about 3,500, which is the number Farmington hopes to reach, West said.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offered the festival to Farmington. West said the town would be smart to take it.

Fortier spoke of Farmington’s proximity to Portland and Bangor, and the potential to have at least 5,000 people attend next year.

Other towns have held a three-day festival, with lesser attendance Sunday, West said.

A two-day event is being planned in Farmington, with a full day of activities Saturday.

“I think it is a no-brainer businesswise,” Chair Joshua Bell said.

He noted it would take a lot of planning and coordinating, and it makes sense to go after the grant.

Town Manager Erica LaCroix asked how much administrative effort would be needed from the town.

West said it would be minimal, but it looks good on the grant application to have the town collaborating.

Those who want more information or are interested in helping next year with the Moose Festival should contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 207-778-4215.