BRASHER FALLS - Snowmobile drag races on the river in Helena are a go this year as part of the Tri-Town Winter Carnival, which kicks off today.

Ed Russell, organizer for the races, said there’s 12 to 18 inches of ice on the river, making the races possible during a winter that’s seen topsy-turvy temperatures and snowfall.

One of the racers had checked the ice and told Mr. Russell it looked good for the Saturday morning event, he said.

“I plowed the field and plowed the river. It’s going to be perfect racing weather,” he said.

Sign-ups are from 8 to 10 a.m. on County Route 53, Helena, and racing gets underway at 11 a.m.

They typically have 70 to 100 sleds participating in different classes, Mr. Russell said, and anywhere from 300 to 500 spectators looking on.

“It’s a big event. It’s probably the biggest event in the winter carnival,” he said.

For those who miss Saturday’s races, there will be ATV side by side events Sunday morning on the river. Registration is from 9 to 11 a.m. and the events that include drag races and a pulling competition begin at 11:30 a.m.

Tri-Town Winter Carnival activities kick off today. A spaghetti dinner will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the American Legion in Winthrop, opening ceremonies will be held beginning at 6 p.m. at the Riverview Bar and Restaurant. Entertainment by Tenace Magic begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverview.

Fireworks will also be held at 9 p.m. at St. Lawrence Central School, and there will be karaoke at The Jug in North Lawrence from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Snow sculptures were judged Thursday afternoon, and the winners will also be announced today.

Saturday’s events include a snowshoe and ski run at 8:30 a.m. at the Department of Environmental Conservation building on Vice Road; a mobile veterans center all day at the American Legion; a parade that lines up at 10 a.m. in Brasher and steps off at 11 a.m., heading to Stewarts; and the snowmobile drag races.

Saturday also features a Snow Flake Lions Club Craft Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion and Crapser Hall; indoor yard and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stockholm Municipal building; a co-ed volleyball tournament at 1 p.m. at the Pit Stop Pub in Winthrop; a cake auction at 3 p.m. at the American Legion;and wine tasting from 4 to 7 p.m. at Spirits of Downtown, Brasher.

A Kids Zone runs from 1 to 5 p.m. at St. Lawrence Central Elementary School. It features a magic show, bounce houses, family swim and kid’s crafts. The school will also be the site of a talent show from 6 to 8 p.m.

Evening activities include karaoke at The Jug in North Lawrence from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., live music from Ten Cent Green beginning at 4 p.m. at the Pit Stop Pub and live music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Riverview.

Sunday activities kick off with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at the American Legion. Also on the schedule are the ATV side by side events at 11:30 a.m. in Helena; a snowmobile poker run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., ending at the Pit Stop Pub; and tug of war, bed races, wheel barrow races and kickball tournament beginning at 12 p.m. in North Lawrence.

Closing ceremonies, including dinner and a slide show, will be held at 6 p.m. at the Pit Stop Pub, and a Chinese auction takes place at 7 p.m. at the Pit Stop Pub to round out the weekend.

The theme for this year’s 40th Tri-Town Winter Carnival is “It’s a jungle out there.”

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