If you notice a lot of traffic heading to the Katahdin region the next two weekends, there's a reason for that.

The next two weekends will be jam-packed with free family fun, as the Katahdin Winterfest kicked off this Friday.

Taking place in Millinocket, this weekend's events are being put on by the Timber Cruisers Club, while the next weekend will be put on by the East Branch Sno Rovers.

Saturday there will be an Antique-Vintage Snowmobile Show from 10:00 AM -2:00 PM. There's will also be a Kids Ice Fishing Day at Jerry Pond from 9:00 AM-2:00 sponsored by The Fin and Feather Club. They're also holding the ABIGALE K. FISKE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RIDE that day, with registration starting at 7:00 AM, and the ride ending at 3:00 PM.

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While they had to cancel their annual snowmobile parade, due to weather, the rest of the weekend's events are still scheduled to take place. Organizers said it was only the 2nd time in the festival's history that they haven't been able to have the parade.

According to Steve Campbell, Chairman of the Katahdin Winterfest Committee, the region started having these special family-oriented weekends back in 1985. It was in the early '90s when the festival began to happen more consistently and grow in the number of fun activities and events that would take place.

There are some fun activities planned for Sunday, as well, according to the Town of Millinocket Facebook Page:

"SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH:
- NORTHERN TIMBER CRUISERS CLUB open for breakfast at 7:00 AM
- KATAHDIN SNOW DOWN, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM, Art walk, skating, hotdogs, and hot chocolate. The Katahdin Gear Library will be there to provide snowshoes and cross country skis, there will also be a bonfire and music.

"A lot of people from outside [the region] come. It's a great family weekend full of events. "

The following Saturday, February 26th, the East Branch Sno Rovers well have another weekend full of family activities planned.

" Pinewood Derby from 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM, sponsored by Calvary Temple. There will be sliding, bring your own sled, canoe rides on the snow, and a Coin Scramble sponsored by East Millinocket Federal Credit Union. There will also be hot chocolate, snowman building, and craft projects."

Campbell says he hopes people will remember the fun they had during the two weekends full of festivities, and that those memories will leave a lasting impression on them

"We want to show them what the Katahdin Region is, what we have to offer and in the future, we hope it might interest them to come back. It keeps people coming to snowmobile and recreate."

Sounds like there's even some snow in the forecast, so enjoy!

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