There's no crawling into a cave or under the snow for a long winter snooze this year! No hibernating allowed! So, get up, out and stretch those muscles, whether they be physical, intellectual or emotional! There is too much to do in Camden and on the mid-coast . . . the question is not what shall we do, but which shall we do?!
The season kicks off with Winterfest, a one-day celebration of winter held at the Camden Amphitheatre, on January 29. Ice carvers from all over the mid-coast come to work their magic and create the "Winter Ice Garden" (which will be in place for several weeks, until, well, you know). A huge addition to the celebration this year is the opening of the new Amphitheatre Ice Rink! There is ice skating in downtown Camden overlooking the Harbor - check it out. How cool is that?!
February 12 and 13th bring us the U.S. National Toboggan Championships - the 21st Annual - at The Camden Snow Bowl. Skiing (downhill and cross country), ice skating, snowboarding and more will stretch those winter muscles! The Toboggan Championship has grown into a weekend event with fireworks, chili contests and so much more!
Your heart muscles will be pulled at The Everyman Theatre's presention of 84 Charing Cross Road - an "epistolary romance at its finest, Roose-Evans' adaption of Helene Hanff's wonderful collection of letters tells of a love affair consummated only through the purchase of books. Hanff and Frank Doel never met during the twenty years of their correspondence and it would almost have been a disappointment if they had. Instead we can enjoy their deliciously formal and informal literay exchanges." Performances are Friday - Sunday, February 11 - 13.
If it's intellectural exercise you are looking for The 24th Annual Camden Conference is slated for February 18 - 20. This year's topic could not be more timely - The Challenges of Asia. Experts from around the US and Asia will elaborate and elucidate on the economic, environmental and cultural challenges facing the U.S. and its relationship to contemporary Asia. This is a rare opportunity to hear the straight talk - not synthesized through the media - from the people directly involved and dealing with these issues and challenges.
And if you want to exercise your right to do nothing - there is simply the beautiful mid-coast scenery of snow-laden pines, crisp blue skies, and the sun making Mother Nature's pure white powder sparkle! This winter there is something for everyone!
