Viva Fall River

Fall River’s Surprising Connection to the 2025 National Toboggan Championships

Jan 28, 2025 | Press, Recreation / Outdoors

When you think of Fall River, toboggan is most likely not the first thing that comes to mind. But after this weekend’s National Toboggan Championships, that might change! A Fall River-based toboggan racing team is gunning for the gold!

First of all, what IS a toboggan?

A toboggan is a long, narrow, flat-bottomed sled traditionally made of wood, with the front end curved upward. It is used for sliding down snow-covered hills or specially built chutes. Unlike other sleds, toboggans typically do not have runners or steering mechanisms—they rely on weight distribution and body movement for control.

Toboggans were originally used by Indigenous peoples in North America for transporting goods and people across snow-covered terrain. Today, they are popular for recreation, racing (such as in the National Toboggan Championships), and even rescue operations in snowy environments.

Ok, so about the Championships…

The 2025 National Toboggan Championships is an annual event celebrating traditional wooden toboggan racing. Held in Camden, Maine, at the Camden Snow Bowl, this lively competition attracts participants from across the country, often in colorful costumes and creatively named teams. Racers compete on a 400-foot-long, iced chute that ends on a frozen pond.

The event typically includes:

  • Divisions for two-, three-, and four-person teams.
  • A festive atmosphere with food, music, and other winter activities.
  • A focus on fun and community spirit, making it appealing to both serious competitors and casual participants.

This unique winter tradition is known for blending sportsmanship with entertainment, drawing spectators and racers alike for a weekend of excitement.

How is this event connected to Fall River?

Last February, a Fall River-based toboggan racing team named the Chowda Heads made waves at the 33rd Annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships, clinching 3rd place with an impressive combined time of 18.88 seconds. This year, they’ve got their sights set on gold!

Led by 79-year-old Donald LeBlanc, a seasoned craftsman and racer, the team has been a staple at the national championships in Camden, Maine, for the past five years. This year’s event, taking place, taking place January 31 – February 2, will see over 400 teams vying for victory.

True to their name, the Chowda Heads don’t just race—they bring the chowder too! LeBlanc, a long-time Fall River resident, personally prepares a hearty batch of clam chowder, along with classic New England stuffies, ensuring their presence at the festival is both competitive and delicious.

LeBlanc’s passion for tobogganing goes beyond racing. Over the years, he has handcrafted ten stunning toboggans, each named after beloved seafood staples such as the Quahog, Steamer, and Mussel. These meticulously crafted sleds, with their curved wooden designs and flawless finishes, are as much a work of art as they are a tool for speed.

And it’s not just the adults getting in on the action. A brand-new youth team, the “Cup O’ Chowda Heads,” is being formed, adding an extra dose of charm and enthusiasm to the competition.

The team’s unique blend of racing and culinary tradition has earned them features in Yankee magazine and on WCVB’s Chronicle, cementing their status as a true embodiment of New England culture.

In a fitting twist, Fall River’s own The Tipsy Toboggan has stepped in as a sponsor, with owner Karl Pelletier joining the team in their pursuit of gold. In fact, this year, the team is sponsored by seven Fall River businesses, including Viva Fall River!

Here’s how YOU can cheer on the Chowda Heads!

For the first time in the Championship’s history, the event will be LIVE STREAMED on StreamState.tv so you can get in on the action!

Tune in to watch the races live on February 1st and 2nd, from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Go to https://streamstate.tv/, create an account, and enjoy the action from wherever you are!