Freeport’s WinterFest and Sebago Lake’s DerbyFest have merged to offer patrons a three-day extravaganza filled with races, ice fishing, snow and ice sculptures, food, entertainment and even swimming, all in the name of charity. The family-friendly event will offer activities for all ages and prizes for contest winners. This winter, Sebago Lake will be the place to celebrate snow and ice and break out of the winter rut at the First Annual Maine WinterFest & Derby in February.

Presented by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club and the Maine Snow & Ice Sculpting Foundation, the Annual Maine Winterfest & Derby will run near the end of February. The event raises funds for a variety of Maine charities, including Camp Sunshine and the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. “For the price of a movie ticket, you can come to the festival, stay all day and be entertained. You can’t top it,” said Tom Noonan, co-director of Maine Winterfest & Derby. “Families can stay all day and have a blast.”

Some of the scheduled activities include the Hooked on Fishing tournament for kids 12 and under, followed by the lighting of the dragon slide ice sculpture, a larger-than-life fire-breathing dragon with a slide for a back and tail. The state’s largest ice fishing tournament will also be held, and feature $40,000 in prizes. Registration forms are available online and awards will be handed out on Sunday at Camp Sunshine.

The Point Sebago Resort will be the central location for festivities. Cost of admission is $5 per day for adults and $1 per day for children under 12. Alternative transportation, such as snowmobiles, is highly recommended.

Eagle Mountain Trail & Tubing

Looking for Winter Fun? Tubing down the slopes of 1462 foot Eagle Mountain or cross country skiing through the surrounding hills and dales invigorates body and soul. Located 40 miles northwest of St. Cloud, Minnesota and 110 miles north and west of Minneapolis, Eagle Mountain has been providing Winter Fun for the whole family for more than 33 years.

Expect the Unexpected In The Winter

Trail & slope conditions vary constantly with weather changes and skier and tubing use. Be aware of changing conditions - natural or man-made. Obey all advisory signs. Ski with care through a snowmaking area. Stay out of the way of snow vehicles and be prepared to avoid other obstacles.