JAY — The skis are waxed and ready to go. So are two teams from Jay Fire and Rescue.

Once again they’ll compete with other fire departments from around Maine and New England in the 22nd Annual Firefighters’ Fundraising Race slated for 10 a.m. Sunday, March 25, at Sunday River in Newry.

Firefighters in teams of five will attempt to negotiate a slalom race course in turnout gear, including helmets, jackets and pants. They also carry a 50-foot fire hose spread out between them. They all must hold on from start to finish and the fastest time wins.

There’s a one-second penalty to their race times for every time one of them lets go of the hose, Jay firefighter Curtis Brook said. 

There’re usually a few crashes and some teams fall apart. It gets competitive but there’s also fun and conversation with firefighters from other departments. It’s all done so others can enjoy the sport of skiing.

“We don’t forget why we ski. We ski so others can ski,” Brooks said.

The fundraiser benefits the Maine Handicapped Skiing program.

The Jay team has seen its share of success. It has participated since 2008, earning first place in 2009 and second place the other years.  Last year they helped the Livermore Falls Department earn a second place, Rick Couture said.

The teams have to raise a $150 entry fee. This year they have sponsors. MSL Trucking and Howie Welding & Fabrication along with Mill Street Cafe are footing the costs. Each is paying the entry fee for one of the department’s teams.

The first-place champions bring home a trophy and 10 Sunday River lift tickets, second and third place winners also receive a trophy and five lift tickets.

It’s not hard finding volunteers within the department, Couture said. His daughter recently joined the department. She has experience on school ski teams.

Couture and Brooks are sure they’ll be contenders this year.

It’s fun to watch and the public is welcome, they said.

After the race, local restaurants compete in a chili cook-off at noon. For those with a good appetite, a Chili-Dog Eating Contest takes place at 2 p.m., Brooks said.

Each contestant has 10 hot dogs piled high with chili and the first to finish all 10 wins. Brooks competed one year but only managed to down a few when the winner was called after inhaling all 10.

Along with the race and chili events, a 50/50 raffle is held with funds donated to Maine Handicapped Skiing, he said.

This week, Couture plans to spend more time waxing skis for the teams.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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