Bethel WinterFest Snowcano set to erupt Saturday, February 16

Many events planned Feb. 16-24
Bethel, Maine - WinterFest is in full swing in Bethel.  This year’s centerpiece is a 40-foot tall Snowcano – a “volcano” made of snow – set to erupt this Saturday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m.

The Snowcano is a huge snow pile – about 100 feet in diameter and 40 feet tall – built around a core of tree-length logs stood on end.  When the logs are lit through a tunnel at the base, flames and sparks will shoot out the top high into the air, creating the effect of a volcano.  The Snowcano is currently built and awaiting eruption at Festival Plaza, off the Parkway between Routes 2 and 26 in Bethel.

This is the second year WinterFest has featured snow volcano.  Jim Sysko, the engineer behind many WinterFest projects over the years, had ideas for design changes that he expects will result in a bigger and better show this time around. Numerous other volunteers have contributed everything from delivering and installing the logs, to manning snow guns, shaping the snow pile with a groomer, and digging the tunnel through which the Snowcano will be lit.

Locals are asked to get in the spirit of WinterFest by building snowmen in their own backyards or businesses, then entering them in a photo contest by sharing them on the Chamber’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bethelarea. The winner will receive $100 cash, with a $50 gift certificate to Bethel gift shop Nabos for the runner-up. Entries will be accepted until noon on February 23.

Next Saturday, February 23, free snowshoe demos and groomer rides will be available to the public at Festival Plaza from 10 am-3 pm.  In the evening, the Snowcano snow hill will be the setting for RailWars, a rail jam under the lights at 6 p.m.  Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can show off their best moves on rails and jumps built into the side of hill.

Sledding is permitted on the sides of the Snowcano every day until it melts.  Sledders must bring their own equipment and sled at their own risk.

Events are planned around the Bethel area throughout the week, including Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowshoeing, kids’ activities, live music, sleigh rides, and many more.  A complete schedule is available at www.bethelwinterfest.com. Questions can be directed to the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at (207) 824-2282 or info@bethelmaine.com.

Bethel WinterFest is organized in partnership with the Town of Bethel and presented by sponsors Sunday River Resort and Norway Savings Bank.