This snowmobiler participated in the Radar Run at Eustis’Pumpkin Pond. (BJ Bangs photo) EUSTIS — There was lots of fun, festivities and good times at the 17th Annual Polar Blast 2012.

About 18 residences and eight businesses entered the lighting contest, making it one of the best they’ve had, said Emerson Dyer of the Lion’s Club, the contests’ sponsor. “We had excellent choices,” he said. Two families and two businesses entered the snow sculpture contest. That low turnout was mostly due to the snow not being workable, he said. You really had to have big snow banks to enter, he said.

Friday night’s fireworks and bonfire went off very well. And Melody Chase, president of the Flagstaff Area Businesses Association said she heard lots of good comments about the evening’s festivities. Robin St. Jean said the fireworks and bonfire were excellent, as usual.

Edith Dunlop of Solon and Rebecca Mahew of Oakland check out the chili, chowder challenge. (BJ Bangs photo) Overall, “I thought it went pretty well,” she said. They had 75 items donated for the silent auction, the most they’ve ever had. “We’re really appreciative of the individuals and businesses that donate because without the donations, there wouldn’t be any auction.

The kids’ breakfast at the community center, put on by the sixth grade, “was wonderful,” she said, applauding Ben Wyman, Linda Lowell and Louise Tessio of the Stratton Diner for their help.

The Chili Chowder contest again proved to be a favorite with 16 selections from which to choose. It was good to see Flagstaff Fuels and the Stratton Plaza win, she said. Winners in the chowder contest were Stratton Plaza first; and second, Looney Moose, and third place, Flagstaff Fuels. In the stew contest, Breezy Acres Camps won first place with Moose Tips Stew, and Stratton Plaza won second with its prime rib stew. Stratton Plaza won first place in the chili contest with Fotter’s Market taking second, and Flagstaff Fuels third.

First place and best of show winner of the Crazy Cardboard Sled Slide was Amy Boivin of Eustis, who entered with a dog sled she made all by herself. Her dog Promise dragged her up the hill. (Photo courtesy Robin St. Jean) Amy Boivin of Eustis won first place and best of show in the crazy cardboard sled contest. She entered with a dog sled she made all by herself. Her dog Promise dragged her up the hill. Cameron and Kurtis Ayotte from Oxford won third and second place. Bryce Cote won the Polar Soda polar bear. All the kids that attended the sled slide were entered in a random drawing to win the bear.

Bryce Cote won the Polar soda polar bear. All the kids that attended the sled slide were entered to win the bear. He was chosen in a random drawing and was thrilled to take home the bear. (Photo courtesy Robin St. Jean)

Rene Caldwell of Brunswick and Sue Fotter of Eustis, sell tickets for the chili, chowder contest. (BJ Bangs photo)

Snowmobiles were everywhere enjoying the snow during the Polar Blast last weekend. (BJ Bangs photo)