RANGELEY — Selectmen this week quickly approved permits for the annual Snodeo.
Sandi Dumont, secretary of the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club, which sponsors the event, gave a quick rundown of the schedule, including Casino Night at the Rangeley Inn on Thursday, Jan. 19, children’s activities such as gingerbread man decorating at the Gingerbread House in Oquossoc, and the climactic parade and fireworks on Saturday, Jan. 21.
Dumont asked for permits for both the indoor and outdoor events, including the Radar Run, also on Saturday. Board members suggested a separate night for the Chili/Chowder Cook-Off, which has become so popular it has begun to crowd into Casino Night.
“We just need the ice,” Dumont said, “and a little snow might help.” The board voted unanimously Tuesday to issue both permits at once.
The board voted to enact a 180-day moratorium on fireworks.
Selectman James Carignan suggested telling the Police Department that the town wants to be fair to visitors, many of whom arrive with fireworks from out of state, preparing to set them off over the lake.
“We don’t want to leave a bad taste in their mouths,” Carignan said. “Maybe the first time can be a warning.”
Selectman Pamela White agreed that visitors had to be made aware of the ruling and suggested printed announcements be handed out with vacation rentals.
Parks and Recreation Director Rick Godaire pointed out that civic fireworks displays such as the Snodeo fireworks are licensed by the state and will not be affected by the moratorium. The board voted unanimously in favor of the moratorium.
In other business, board Chairman Gary Shaffer advised consulting the Maine Municipal Association about insurance liability for small local events, such as the Doll Carriage Parade, which begin on town property.
“This might put a financial burden on individuals who want to do things,” Shaffer said. “We want to simplify this for anyone who wants to put something on.”
The board also voted to no longer subscribe to the printed version of the Maine Revised Statutes and Legislative Updates, which costs almost $1,300 per year, since all that information is available online at the town office.
Rangeley Airport Manager Tiki White reported that construction of the airport’s new building is now slated for completion around Jan. 1. Originally projected for completion by Thanksgiving, the delay is due to lack of exterior steel siding. Heating and wiring have been installed, and the building should be ready for equipment installation by the first of the year.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
