It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Main Street is lined with wreaths, I sprung for new X-C skis, and Shawnee Peak has been cranking out snow all week. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a wild winter; we deserve it after last year’s rainout. Lots of snow brings lots of skiers, snowmobilers, mushers and their money…So let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Ullr fest

In case my invocation doesn’t do the trick, there’s always the chance that a prayer to the “gods” might help. Shawnee Peak’s annual bonfire and torchlight parade that does just that is on Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Legend has it that by receiving alms of ritual fire the god Ullr rewards skiers with smooth slopes of abundant powder all season long. As hundreds of celebrants pray for snow, Ullr himself will descend from the peak in full Nordic regalia, as a parade of supplicants trail behind him bearing torches of fire while the beating of tribal drums echos across the valley.

There will also be entertainment in Blizzards Pub and prizes to win, including skis and a snowboard. As an added bonus, lift tickets will only be $14 all night long, and ski conditions should be primo.

Ullr Fest is free and open to the public, so dress up in your warmest garb, hoist a pint of mead and join the party. Fireworks start at 7 p.m., and the festivities run until 11. For more information, call Shawnee at 647-8444 or check out www.shawnee peak.com.

Light up the night

Bridgton’s 8th annual Festival of Lights parade was the biggest and best ever, with dozens of floats and hundreds of candle-carrying revelers taking to the streets.

Congratulations to all the winners of the float competition: Most Beautiful to the Bridgton Community Center, Most Entertaining to the First Congregational Church, and Most Creative to McHatton’s WaterOut. Also, big thanks to all the volunteers and especially parade Chairman Ken Murphy, BCC Director Carmen Lone and Economic Development Director Alan Manoian. The Festival of Lights has become a special tradition for Bridgton families and is a unique way to kick off the holiday season.

WinterKids

WinterKids is a Maine-based nonprofit that helps children develop healthy lifelong habits through fun, outdoor winter activity. The organization kicks off the ski season with Cooper Campbell Day, a fun, free event for kids and their families at Shawnee Peak from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19.

The festival celebrates the life of Cooper Campbell, the 15-year-old who was killed by a drunk driver on the Maine Turnpike in April 2008. His father, Steve Campbell, said Cooper was an avid skier and snowboarder who “enjoyed winter with his whole heart and lived by the words ‘live, love, listen, laugh, learn and leave a mark.'”

Shawnee Peak has generously offered 75 pre-registered children and adults the chance to try skiing and snowboarding for the very first time, with free lessons, rentals and lift tickets. Gov. John Baldacci will join Campbell and representatives from WinterKids for remarks at 12:15 p.m. For more information, call Shawnee Peak at 647-8444 or check out the website.

KraftyKids

New Bridgton Recreation Director Tom Tash has been busy putting together a full calendar of events for kids, and the newest one comes just in time for Christmas.

The “Holiday Crafts for Kids” will be held on Sunday, Dec 19, from 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Children 10 and under and their families are invited for a fun morning of arts and crafts at the Town Hall building on North High Street. All the supplies you need to create a special gift for the holidays will be provided to create gifts for the holidays, at no cost to you. Please be sure to wear appropriate clothing, because you are welcome to get as messy as you want! Call Tom at 647-8786 for more information.

Winter exercise routine

Physical exercise has been proven to slow aging and keep your mind and body healthy and agile. If you are an older woman interested in maintaining an exercise routine through the winter, there’s a great program for you. Join Dot Kimball and Jean Gilman every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Call Dot at 647-2402 or 647-8026 for more information. There is no charge for this program, so grab your velour track suit and head to the Town Hall.

Aerobics dance

Dee Miller will lead an Aerobics Dance class this winter. This high-energy, low-impact class is for all ages and is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Town Hall. It is guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your body shaking, both of which will help stave off those extra calories from what’s sure to be a little over-indulging this Christmas. The class costs $5 per session. To register, call Dee at 647-9599.

Blades of glory

You know winter has its grip on us when the town ice rink opens for the season. This great resource is located behind the Town Hall on North High Street and has plenty of hours to fit into any schedule.

From 3-6 p.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, holidays and school vacations, you can lace up your skates and practice your triple axels and lutzes to your heart’s content. The best part is the town covers all fees, so the skates and equipment are all provided free of charge. You can even get hot chocolate to warm yourself up. Youth Hockey also practices and plays at the rink, so if you are interested in that, call Tom Tash at 647-8786.

Helping Hands

The holidays are a season of reflection and gratitude, and giving a hand to the less fortunate. In Bridgton, the Klimek family and Black Horse Tavern employees are wrapping up their 20th year of community outreach and inviting you to donate to their “Christmas Fund.”

Working with local churches and social service organizations, the Klimek’s provide food, gifts and support to local families in dire financial situations. Last year’s donations from customers and friends were very generous, and they were able to surprise many children with unexpected presents under the tree. This year’s economy has made times tougher for everyone, and collections are down.

If you would like to make a donation of any size, please stop by the tavern on Route 302 across from Stevens Brook School any day of the week and drop it in the “Christmas Fund” jar, or call Nick Klimek at 647-5300.