Trappers weekend on tap

Trappers from across the region will flock to Bethel this weekend for the 37th annual New England Trappers Weekend.

The event, which kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday, offers a number of seminars for trappers, along with plenty of entertainment for family members and children.

Dealers will set up at 760 East Bethel Road on Thursday and the program begins in earnest bright and early on Friday. Admission is $5 per adult and camping will cost an additional $5.

And while trappers themselves will likely learn some new tricks of the trade, some of the auxiliary activities sound like they might trump the trapper-focused offerings.

For instance, on Saturday kids will square off in an eel race that promises to be a hoot. Those 6 years old or younger are invited to compete in a coyote calling contest (be sure to bring a video camera). And regular youth events, including a scavenger hunt and coin scramble are also planned.

In addition, winners will be chosen in four campsite contests: Most primitive, cleanest, most American and most original.

A new contest this year (I’m not kidding) will recognize contestants with the longest, most unique and cleanest beard. Yes, beard.

Trappers Weekend is presented by Olson’s Furs, Cabela’s, Oxford Casino and Trappers Post.

 

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.