Bethel

We’re only ten days away from Bethel Winterfest 2013, which runs three weekends, from Feb. 9 through Feb. 24. This year Winterfest includes sledding, snowshoeing, a snowman contest, snow groomer rides, RailWars rail jam, and a snowcano that will erupt on Feb. 16. Snow guns are set up at Festival Park and are making snow for the snowcano and sledding hill. Although sledding officially begins Feb. 9, on Sunday a few people were sneaking in some unofficial runs. If you’ve never seen snow guns in action, this is a good chance to sit in your warm car, sip a cup of coffee, and watch the birth of the Winterfest Snowcano. The Winterfest schedule is online at www.bethelwinterfest.com.

As we all know, Maine doesn’t shut down in cold weather. Here in town, work continues on the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum on Main Street. Within the last couple of weeks, the former Odd Fellows’ building, which will be part of the new museum, was jacked up, and construction to connect the two buildings has begun. Down on Route 26, Tuckers Doghouse has a new sign advertising the dog boarding and daycare facility. Farther south on Route 26 in Bryant Pond, road crews are working in single-digit temperatures to repair the crumbling retaining wall that holds back the embankment near the ball fields.

Remember to wear red tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 1. It is the 10th Annual National Wear Red Day and 10th Year of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Day. The day calls special attention to the fight against heart disease in women.

If you have news you’d like to share, call me at 824-2483 or e-mail nancybrown1150@yahoo.com.