February 4-Moon Light Snowshoe in Simard-Payne Park
February 4, 2012
LA Trails will head downtown to join Museum LA at Simard-Payne (Railroad) Park for a full moon snowshoe event scheduled to start at 6 PM. In the shadows of the future of Museum LA on the banks of the Androscoggin River, families and outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to come take part in what was a significant tradition in the early 20th century, snowshoers converging on the Grand Trunk Depot.
Snowshoe clubs in Lewiston-Auburn were an important part of the local French-Canadian culture in the early 20th century. For more than a generation, snowshoers would arrive by train from Montreal, and several Canadian towns along the way, at the Grand Trunk Depot to take part in annual activities that featured snowshoe races, a parade displaying colorful uniforms, bands, choral performances and stunts. Local snowshoe clubs were active throughout the season, with competitions and social activities.
To celebrate this heritage and begin new traditions of snowshoeing, Museum L-A educator Joan Beal will be on hand to speak with small groups about the history of snowshoeing in Lewiston-Auburn. Museum L-A is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of work and community in Lewiston-Auburn and events such as this bring learning the history to life.
Simard-Payne (Railroad) Park sits at the center of an emerging recreational area in downtown Lewiston-Auburn. While the summer months are full of canoeing, kayaking, fishing and walking, winter offers many opportunities to get outside and enjoy parks in the heart of the community.
In partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, snowshoes will be available for youth and adults to try if they do not own their own pair. Also, Tim Horton’s has generously donated hot cocoa and snacks for those attending the full moon event.
This program is free and open to the public. Please bring your own snowshoes if you have them and dress appropriately for the weather. For more information or to reserve snowshoes, contact Margi Huber, Outreach Coordinator at ALT at 782-3202 or email at mhuber@androscogginlandtrust.org.