The new Loon Project to benefit David’s House was featured recently on WCAX Channel 3, which posted the video for everyone to see. The news story included interviews with ECA Activities Coordinator Charlie Taber and Eastman resident Al Wakefield, who is one of the artists contributing his talent to make this project a success.

The Loon Project features two dozen 16-inch, wooden loons that have been uniquely finished by local artists in the media of their choice. Photos of the artwork can be seen at the Loon Project website.

The loons will be formally unveiled during a reception beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12 at Bistro Nouveau at The Center at Eastman. The artisans will be available for everyone to meet, and sealed bids will be accepted. Cost is $10/person and includes hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The loons will be displayed throughout the week, with bids accepted until the conclusion of Winter Fest on Feb. 20, when the winning bidders will be announced.

This year’s Winter Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Eastman Cross Country Center. Everyone is invited for a fun filled day of outdoor activities, including skiing, sledding, ice skating, games and races, and the world famous Chili Cook-off, which begins promptly at noon.

 The cook-off is usually very well attended, so get there early, to make sure you get to taste all the entries. Winners, chosen by the votes cast by attendees, will be announced at the end of the event.

Cost for the Winter Fest and Chili Cook-off is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger.

All proceeds from Winter Fest, the Loon Project and the Chili Cook-off benefit David’s House, a home-way-from-home for families of children who are being treated at CHaD at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

For more information on The Loon Project, Winter Fest or Chili Cook-off, contact Eastman Recreation at 603-863-6772.

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