The U.S. National Toboggan Championships Organizing Committee announced this morning that the 26th annual Toboggan Nationals are officially on, with activities moving from the chute above Hosmer Pond to the Camden Snow Bowl in order to ensure a safe and fun race. All races will occur on one day, Saturday, February 6, rather than the usual three-day schedule. 

Here's more from the organizing committee.

Due to irregular warm temperatures this week leading up to the Toboggan Nationals, which created thin ice on Hosmer Pond where toboggan racers usually run out and unsafe conditions for racers and spectators, the event's organizing committee canceled Friday's scheduled chute activities. After consulting with wardens from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on the condition and safety of the ice for Saturday's races, the Toboggan organizing committee decided that the ice cover is not thick enough to ensure the safety of racers and spectators. The committee is working with the Camden Snow Bowl Friday to create a safe, alternative toboggan chute on one of the trails on Ragged Mountain.

 

The adjusted schedule is as follows:

  • FRIDAY: Registration and inspections are open. Tobogganville and Vendor Row are open as usual. Practice runs are canceled.
  • SATURDAY:
    • 8:00 am - Racing Begins
    • Morning - Single-run qualifying rounds for two-person, three-person, four-person and experimental teams
    • Afternoon - Two runs each for qualifying teams in two-person, three-person, and four-person teams (the committee reserves the right to adjust the finals format as time and conditions dictate)
    • Late Afternoon - Awards Presentation at the Camden Snow Bowl Lodge

All Winterfest events, including the Mardi Gras parade and dance, Point Lookout Fire & Ice event, snow plow parade, fireworks, among others, are unaffected and will proceed as planned.

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