National Toboggan Championships

By: © Nelson Taylor 2008

Festival Location: Camden, ME, USA

Festival State: Maine Festivals

Festival Type(s): Winter Festivals, Winter Sports Events, Bizarre Sports Events

Toboggans aren't just for schlepping little Johnny down the street anymore. In cold, Camden, Maine, every first weekend of February, they host the National Toboggan Championships, an amateur event begun in 1990. Today it's swelled into a helluva serious affair, and people come from all over the states with their wooden toboggans roped to the roof of their family SUVs.

The toboggan chute is located at the Camden Snow Bowl skiing area. 400-feet long, one run takes about 10 seconds. Under prime conditions, 40-50 mph speeds aren't uncommon. But plan early, because the 300 $24-$48 (depending on what division you choose) racing slots fill up fast. Handmade native ash Toboggans can be purchased from Camden Toboggan Co. for between $265 and $315, depending on length.