The U.S. National Toboggan Championship is set to make its return to Camden, Maine, this weekend. This years competition marks the 31st return, with the 2021 event cancelled for Covid-19. Masks will be required inside facilities at the competition, though that won’t be much of a problem, as the competition is mostly held outside.
400 teams, in teams of 2, 3, and 4, will slide down a 440-foot shoot onto the frozen pond at the bottom of the hill. According to the Bangor Daily News, the events brings crowds from across the country, and occasionally from around the globe.
This years biggest concern surrounding the event is simply that the ice that once covered the shoot melted in recent rain, so racers will instead have to slide down packed snow. Of course, this will impact times, but it’s likely that few will care.
“They’re not going to give a hoot about it. They’re here for the party, they’re here for the camaraderie, they’re here to get together with their friends and have a good time” – Camden Snow Bowl Assistant Manager Holly Anderson to the Bangor Daily News.
Gotta love the niche competitions around the world. My personal favorites include Lobster Boat Races, which are also common in Maine, and Barbie Jeep Racing. This, however, is a classic, and while I’ve never been myself, I’d certainly like to witness the competition at least once in my life.
You can learn more about the event thanks to this video by NEWS CENTER Maine:
Image Credit: NEWS CENTER Maine on YouTube