Newport will be buzzing with activity the weekend of Feb. 5 - 7 as it hosts the 37th annual Snowmobile Ride-in to benefit Pine Tree Camp. Snowmobilers from all corners of the state are expected to make their way to Newport in support of Pine Tree Camp.

According to Harvey Chesley, coordinator of the Ride-in, the event also attracts community members from all over the greater Newport area.

"With community activities like the Friday night auction, our public meals and the pageant, we’ve really seen tremendous support from people living in the Newport area,” he said. “We can’t thank them enough.”

This year, snowmobilers and community members alike will have even more to keep them busy.

On Sat., Jan. 30, the Millennium on Oxbow Road in Palmyra will host a kick-off dance party starting at 7 p.m.  Midnight Rose will take the stage at 9:00 p.m.  Price is $5 at the door.

The following weekend features a variety of events including an auction Friday night beginning at 6:30 p.m., breakfast at the Meridian Splendor Lodge on Route 7 in Newport, the Q106.5 Egg Ride will wind its way through downtown Newport and is scheduled to arrive at the Community Center at 11 a.m., a chicken barbecue starting at 11 a.m., the annual Snowmobile Ride-in pageant starting at 1 p.m. and a delicious public supper starting at 4:30 p.m. followed by a fireworks display.  On Sun., Feb 7, the event will conclude with radar runs hosted by the Sebasticook Valley Snowmobile Club. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information on the radar runs, contact Bill or Lisa Sawyer at (207) 278-4512. Events will take place at the Sebasticook Valley Community Center unless otherwise noted. 

Since 1974, the Snowmobile Ride-in has raised more than $3.6 million in support of Pine Tree Camp. All proceeds from the weekend will benefit Pine Tree Camp, an extraordinary summer camp for Maine children and adults with disabilities.

The Snowmobile Ride-in is made possible with support from sponsors including Q106.5 and Sappi Fine Paper, BDS Waste Disposal, Bud’s Shop and Save and P&L Country Market.

Established in 1945, Pine Tree Camp offers Maine children and adults with disabilities an extraordinary summer camp experience.  The 280-acre camp is located on North Pond in Rome, Maine.  The facility is fully adapted to meet the special needs of campers.  The barrier-free setting and commitment of our staff allow campers to fully participate in activities that normally aren’t available to them including swimming, fishing, boating, outdoor games, kayaking, arts and crafts and even camping in a tent under the stars.

For campers, Pine Tree Camp is a highlight of their year.  It gives them the opportunity to spend time with their friends in a setting that meets their unique needs.  For families, the camp offers an extended period of greatly needed respite from caregiving.

Since it began in 1945, Pine Tree Camp has never turned anyone away because they could not afford to pay tuition.  This tradition is kept alive by thousands of generous friends, supporters and volunteers.

Pine Tree Camp is one of the many programs of Pine Tree Society. Pine Tree Society helps people in Maine with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives. Too often, people with disabilities feel left out, even isolated. With the help of Pine Tree Society, they’re not alone!  We share a spirit of innovation and desire to discover new ways to break down barriers that many find insurmountable. It started as a bold new idea in 1936 and it continues every day.  Whether it’s a child discovering her first best friend at Pine Tree Camp or an adult finding his voice with customized assistive technology, Pine Tree Society changes lives. For more information, please call (207) 443-3341.

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