Get your winter on in the midcoast this February: Toboggan Nationals Feb 10-12

Everything is on track for the 22nd annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships, scheduled for Feb. 10-12 at the Camden Snow Bowl. On average, an estimated 8,000 people attend the event.

Due to the mild winter weather, one change at this year's event is cars and trucks will not be allowed on Hosmer Pond, according to Jeff Kuller, Camden Snow Bowl general manager.

"The ice is certainly thick enough to support people and tents, but not vehicles," Kuller said. As of Feb. 1, the ice was between 10 and 12 inches thick with it thinner near streams.

That decision was made Feb. 1 at a meeting of the Toboggan National Committee.

Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley said in the interest of safety and taking into consideration information the committee has gathered, it was best to limit the ice usage to pedestrians and those on all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. Farley said an ice fishing derby in Gray last week, planned by the Maine Warden Service, was canceled due to the mild weather and ice conditions, which was a big consideration when making this decision.

Temperatures for next weekend are expected to be a little on the mild side, but Kuller said he is confident there will be plenty of ice.

More than 400 teams will be competing in the championship, where teams race on a wooden toboggan down a 400-foot chute at speeds of up to 40 mph. On average, it takes about 9 seconds to speed down the hill and shoot across the ice-covered Hosmer Pond.

Registration for the two-, three- and four-person teams has been filled, but Kuller said the experimental category will be offered to teams on a waiting list.

The experimental category was offered for the first time last year after teams were "pushing the envelope on what a traditional toboggan is." The bottom must be the same shape as a toboggan, but does not have to be made of wood, and does not have to have the curl on the front. It can also be up to 75 pounds, whereas the limit for the traditional toboggan is 50 pounds.

Kuller said organizers are doing great in terms of sponsors and vendors. This is the biggest event of the year for the Snow Bowl and typically generates between $40,000 and $60,00, which is used as part of the operating costs for the recreation area.

Something new this year will be the addition of a mechanical bull, which will be set up near the chili and chowder tent. There also will be children's activities on Saturday and Sunday, and the tubing hill will be open all weekend.

The use of the shuttle, running between downtown Camden and the Snow Bowl, is highly encouraged, he said. Depending on the weather, parking may not be permitted in the ball field. This year the shuttle will pick people up from one location, on Washington Street, next to the Camden Opera House.