Ice out contest update

ROXBURY -- Despite the warm temps, the ice is still hanging on Roxbury Pond. So get you entry filled for the sixth annual Rumford Falls Times' Ice Out Contest.

Dennis Daniel of Ellis Pond Variety said there were a half-dozen people out fishing on the ice Sunday, going about halfway out onto the pond.

They reported that the ice has a thickness of 12 to 14 inches, as they placed traps around a 500-foot radius.

He concluded, "Nothing too serious yet, but it is getting soft though. Rocks are starting to be seen. When it goe out, it goes out quickly."

To enter the Times' Ice Out contest and a chance to win a prize package, just bring your canned good(s), non-perishable food item(s) or pet food along with your ice out entry (form provided on Pg. 2A of this paper) with the date and time you think the ice will go out of Roxbury Pond to the Times' office at 69 Congress St. in Rumford.

Readers donated food items that went to the local food bank last year as well as pet food to McKennel's Animal Shelter.

All entries must be received by noon this Friday to be eligible. A random drawing will determine the winner in the event that more than one correct guess is received.

The prize package from our sponsors includes a $20 gift certificate from Mexico One Stop, an oil change and tire rotation at Dan's Automotive, a pizza deal at Mountain Valley Variety, and a three-month subscription to the Rumford Falls Times.

Last year's ice out winner was Gerald Deanis of Roxbury Pond, who was closed to the April 27 ice out.

Records of the ice out at Roxbury Pond have been kept at least since 1978, noted Daniel. He said the average ice out has been between April 16-21. The earliest recorded ice out was on April 6 in 2006. The latest was May 8 in 1978.

Daniel noted that to alleviate any controversy that might arise from such a contest, they have a Game Warden involved to determine the actual ice out.