CAMDEN — A half-dozen radio, television and print media journalists came to town Friday, dressed warm for the invitation to attend the annual Toboggan National Media Day event, held simultaneously at the Camden Snow Bowl and downtown at Harbor Park.

Representatives of the committees that have been working all year to organize the upcoming Camden Winterfest and the 26th annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships hosted the media, answering questions about what's going to be happening in town over the next nine days

Toboggan Chutemaster Stuart Young was interviewed about the history of the 440-foot-long wooden toboggan chute, the only one of its kind, and how and when the Toboggan Nationals started. Young also talked about what it takes to maintain the chute year-round, as well as what it takes to get the chute race-ready.

This year, warm weather has kept snow out of town — that is everywhere except where it can be made by machine — but the toboggan committee is declaring that the races are are on.

"Stuart reported at our weekly meeting this morning that there are 10 to 12 inches of ice on Hosmer Pond, and while the weather forecast is for warmer temperatures early next week, cold nights, and a cold front at the end of the week will allow for making ice in the chute and that's what we need to hold the races," said Toboggan Committee chairman Holly Edwards.

At the Jan. 29 Toboggan Committee meeting, Young said that he had come up with a contingency plan to gather Snow Bowl staff and volunteers and pack the chute with snow late Thursday, Feb. 4. Then, with temperatures expected to be well below freezing, the hand-made toboggan chute "zamboni" will be used to build up a solid layer of ice.

Friday, Feb. 5 kicks off registration and toboggan inspections, with first runs for 2- and 3-person teams going from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

"If the weather holds as forecast, which is for warmer temperatures during the day Thursday and Friday, we won't be able to hold the fun runs for the public and racers Friday," said Young. Typically, the chute is open to the public to try the chute, and for racers to take practice runs, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The caveat each year is that the chute is open during that time "weather permitting."

"This may be the first year the weather doesn't permit that," said Edwards.

The warmer weather in southern Maine and New England has also slowed team registrations this year. But while there may not be snow on the ground, there is plenty of ice on Hosmer Pond, and that's what is needed for toboggan racing in Camden.

"People are still calling me each day and asking if we are going to cancel, or when we will decide," said Snow Bowl Assistant Manager Beth Ward.

"Given that we have enough ice, we will race. And a mild, sunny day is a great day for spectators watching the action," said Edwards. "The reality is we have sponsors and racers that have paid a lot of money in support of this weekend, and as we have done in the past, when we had slush or water on the ice or a blizzard at our doorstep, so far we have always been able to hold a race, even if it's an abbreviated one. We will always endeavor to do that as long as we can do it safely."

Ward said that as of Jan. 29, there were still some 2- and 3-person team slots open, and nearly 100 4-person team slots open. For the past five or six years, registration has been sold out, with nearly all 425 race slots filled.

"If you've never been down the chute, come out and join the fun," said Edwards. "We have plenty of space for more toboggan teams, and the event is still a go."

Ward said that registrations will be accepted through noon on Thursday, Feb. 4. To download the registration form, click here.

Related links:

• MPBN - Dear Jay Field’s Kids: Your dad didn’t wimp out atop Camden Snow Bowl’s toboggan chute

• WABI 5 - Camden Winterfest 2016 kicks off with toboggan races

• Bangor Daily News - Camden preps for upcoming Winterfest, toboggan races

• Cutepotato.com

• Camden Winterfest

• 26th annual U.S National Toboggan Championships