Signs of spring are all around us, and one of the most exciting is “Ice Out.” The annual contest to guess the date of thaw on Moose Pond is a big fundraiser for the Bridgton Community Center, and also a scientific way to chart the weather patterns of the Lake Region. Well, it’s official. Ice went out on the Moose Pond Causeway inlet on Friday, April 5, and if you thought it was an old-fashioned winter guess again… That’s a solid two weeks earlier than the 100-year average of April 17. The earliest recorded ice out was on March 17 in 2010, which was also the only one to occur in actual winter. So I guess the past decade has us confused about what a “real” Maine winter really is, because apparently this one wasn’t as bad as we thought.

Big Night

Another exciting sign of spring awakening is Big Night, the annual amphibian migration of April. After many months of semi-torpor in the mud and duff, the millions of frogs and salamanders in our woods rise en mass to mate in vernal pools. It is one of nature’s secrets exactly when this occurs, because the conditions have to be perfect: a mild night with temperatures in the 40’s, accompanied by a light drizzle.

Unfortunately, when that many little critters take to the streets to reach their mating spots, they are no match for much bigger cars. You’ve probably been driving on Big Night before, when you notice frogs of all sizes valiantly hopping across the road only to get squashed by your tires. When you think of all the months they’ve stayed under ground, waiting for the signal to get busy, it’s sad to imagine them thwarted at the last minute. So the Lakes Environmental Association has a Big Night army, trained to man checkpoints at popular vernal pools in Bridgton. This not only helps the amphibians but is a great experience for kids to experience the wonders of nature. If you want to help with this year’s crossing or want to be alerted when it happens, call Mary Jewett at 647-8580.

Keep the Scene Clean

Earth Day falls on a Monday this year, so the annual town clean-up party has been moved forward a few days so more people can participate. Join volunteers at the Bridgton Community Center this Saturday, April 20, where we’ll fan out to clean up the roadways, streams and sidewalks of town.

Stop by the BCC on Depot Street anytime from morning to afternoon to pitch in. There will be rakes and garbage bags on hand but be sure to bring good gloves and muck boots if you’re planning on getting in the creek. You never know what awaits, because last year we fished a shopping cart out of Stevens Brook. Classy.

Field of Dreams

The BRAG Recreation Fields are greened up and ready for summer sports, but the fundraising continues. You can help the cause by attending a seafood dinner on Saturday, April 20, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Bridgton Community Center on Depot Street.

There will be baked haddock, seafood Newburg, chop suey, potatoes, salad, rolls, coffee, punch and dessert. The home-cooked spread only costs $6 for adults and $4 for children, and all proceeds go to benefit the Laurie Carter Bergen field.

Laughs for the Library

The Friends of Bridgton Library sponsor year-round events to support the vital institution, and the next one is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Jim Colliton brings his clean, family-style comedy to the Magic Lantern on Monday, April 22 at 7 p.m.

Colliton has appeared on Ed McMahon’s Next Big Star, Comcast Comedy Spot Light & Comedy Central Laugh Riots, and is donating his time for the evening. Tickets are available at the Bridgton Public Library for only $12, and all proceeds go to benefit the library. Call Joanne at 647-8592.

Meet the Breeds

I watch the Westminster Dog Show like some people watch the Masters, and think that fluffy, fuzzy pups are way cuter than most men swinging a club at a little ball. If you agree with me, you’ll want to scamper over to the 3rd annual Meet the Breeds Day at the Bridgton Veterinary Hospital.

This food drive for the Harvest Hills Animal Shelter is held on Sunday, April 21, from noon to 2 p.m. Admission is free but attendees are asked to bring a donation of cat or dog food. While you’re doing a good deed for the awesome no-kill shelter you can check out a dozen different breeds like Vizslas, Weimeraners, Bloodhounds, Boston terriers and Leonbergers. The Vet Hospital is on Route117 (Harrison Road) just before the Pond Road intersection.

Ole!

There’s more to Mexico than Coronas and nachos, and the chefs of the Bridgton Historical Society know it. Head south of the border with a traditional Cinco de Mayo dinner at Narramissic Farm on the Ingalls Road in South Bridgton.

A benefit fundraiser for the Historical Society’s annual Bluegrass Festival on Aug. 3, the cost is only $10 for adults and $6 for kids and includes homemade enchiladas, quesadillas, pork carnitas, mole, Spanish rice and churros, with Mexican beer and Sangrias extra. Diners are encouraged to embrace their inner Mexican by dressing in festive attire, and there will be pin?atas, games and sunset activities on the beautiful grounds of Narramissic. For tickets and more information call 647-3699 or visit www.bridgtonhistory.org.