Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney has been awarded a grant of $2,500, the full amount requested, from the Kennebec Valley Tourism Council. All the activities the council undertakes to further the cause of tourism in Maine’s Kennebec Valley and are meant to produce a positive economic impact on the region.

This competitive grant was awarded to Snow Pond Center for the Arts to promote Snow Pond’s flourishing Winter Carnival & Ice Fishing Derby, which grew by more than 500 percent in just one year, according to a news release from the center.

“We were so happy to see so many families enjoy the day fishing, skating and biking on campus. This event is very close to my heart and it is only going to get bigger and better, said Mike Guarino, Snow Pond’s Nature Guide & Community Development director, according to the release.

Prizes this year included a Jiffy 10-inch auger, a pair of Maine Guide snowshoes, many gift cards and a chance to win a brand-new 2019 snowmobile provided by Kramers Inc., along with many other prizes. Eric Holt, of Belgrade, and Noah Cummings, of Sidney, were the top two winners in the Northern Pike category, however a new snowmobile will still be up for grabs again next year, according to the release.

The winter carnival also included Fat Biking, courtesy of Mathieu’s Cycle & Fitness, snowshoeing on the new Snow Pond Community Trails, ice skating, sledding, crafts, and hotdogs and s’mores and the evening ended with a community fish fry and pasta bar dinner in The Lodge.

The Winter Carnival & Fishing Derby for 2020 is scheduled for Feb. 22 and 23 at Snow Pond Center for the Arts.

For more information on this event, contact Mike Guarino at mike.guarino@snowpond.org