Aroostook Outdoor News: 2.11.16 edition
#HappyValentinesDay. #Ski #Snowshoe #Sled
#Skate #Skijor with your #sweetie!
In this edition: 1) #WinterCarnival in
#Caribou. 2) #Winter #FamilyFun on #skis, #snowshoes, and #sleds in #FortKent
and #Madawaska. 3) A guided #SnowshoeHike in #Limestone. Plus lots more! #offugo...
Friday, February 12-Sunday,
February 14
Caribou Winter Carnival,
Caribou. Let's
enjoy the winter season together! Tons of activities, including Kids’ Fun Day,
Sled and Canoe Downhill Races (w/prizes!), Snow Sculpture Contest (cash
prizes!), Ice Skating on Collins Pond, Broomball Tournament ($500 cash prize to
first place!), BBQ and lots more! Everyone in the area is invited to join the
fun! Some events require pre-registration! All events are FREE unless otherwise
stated! Contact Caribou Rec (207-493-4224) FMI
*Saturday, February 13-Sunday,
February 14
Island Falls Fishing Derby
2016, Island Falls. 5:00
a.m. Saturday-3:00 p.m. Sunday at Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Pond. Free
fishing weekend – get out there and fish! Cash prizes for Salmon, Trout, Bass,
Pickerel, White Perch! Kids’ category too! Door prizes! Register and weigh-in
at Jerry’s Foodstore. Cost: $10. Contact Jerry’s Foodstore (207-463-2828) FMI
Saturday, February 13-Wednesday,
February 17
Katahdin Area Winterfest
2016 Ski and Snowshoe Tours, Millinocket. Daily guided ski or snowshoe trips on the Bait
Hole and Jerry Pond Trails. Some equipment available, Cost: FREE! Contact
Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) or visit www.katahdinmaine.com FMI
Saturday, February 13
Fin & Feather Club of
Maine Kids’ Fishing Day, Millinocket. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at
Jerry Pond. The club is hosting their annual "Hooked on Fishing, Not on
Drugs" as part of Winterfest 2016. Fishing equipment provided, ice holes
dug, free hot dogs and guaranteed tons of fun. Visit “Fin and Feather Club of
Maine” on facebook FMI
Saturday, February 13
Fort Kent Outdoor Center
Free Family Fun Day, Fort Kent. 12:00-4:00 p.m. at FKOC, 33 Paradis Circle.
Free trail passes, ski and snowshoe rentals, beginner ski lessons, guided ski
and snowshoe tours, story walk, scavenger hunt, sledding, snacks, hot
chocolate, and a bonfire with s’mores! Visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI
Saturday, February 13
NMMC/FSTA 4th Annual Rally
in the Valley Winter Festival, Madawaska. Kids of all ages are invited to attend a fun
outdoor snow day; skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, games, and more! Registration:
11:00 a.m. at Four Seasons Lodge. Event: 12:00-2:00 p.m. Cost: $5; includes
t-shirt and water bottle. Contact Gail Lamarr (207-834-1459) or gail.lamarr@nmmc.org FMI
Saturday, February 13
Healthy You Guided Snowshoe
Hike, Limestone.
1:00-2:00 p.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Join us for a guided snowshoe
hike through wooded trails with science educator Larry Berz. Hot cocoa will be
served following the hike, Spots are limited and snowshoes must be reserved, so
please register in advance. Contact Bethany Zell (207-498-1361) FMI
Saturday, February 13
Florenceville-Bristol
Tourism SnowBlast, Florenceville, NB. Activities at Riverside Park, Valley Outdoor
Centre, Camp Shiktehawk, Community Hall, including Youth/Adult Crazy
Cardboard Classic Sled Race, XC Skiing, Woodsman
Water Boiling Competition, Sliding, Human Dog Sled Race, Snowshoe Hike, Taffy
on the Snow, Hay Rides, Skating, Science East, Food Court, and more! Contact
Florenceville-Bristol Tourism (506-392-6763) or visit www.florencevillebristol.ca FMI
Sunday, February 14
Katahdin Communities Outing
Club Cross Country Ski and Picnic, Mt. Chase. 10:00 a.m. at Matagamon
Ski Trails. Meet at Baxter State Park parking lot at end of Matagamon Road, Mt.
Chase. Contact KWW Recreation Managers (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI
Thursday, February
18-Sunday, February 21
Fins & Furs Adventures
Maine Guide School, Presque Isle. Prepares students to confidently enter the
state’s testing and licensing process. Material Covered: Hunting, Fishing
and/or Recreation guide’s license exam. This course builds top notch map and
compass proficiency, and equips students to react quickly and efficiently
during stressful situations, such as a lost client or medical emergency. Cost:
$495/person. Visit www.finsandfursadventures.com FMI
*Friday, February 19
NMCRA Bigrock Ski Day, Mars
Hill. Residents
of Northern Maine Community Recreation Association towns are invited to take
advantage of $15 lift tickets and $15 rentals from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. on this
day, when pre-registered at their local Rec. Dept. Participants under age 18
must have rental form signed by parent/guardian. Forms can be picked up at your
local Rec. Dept. Pre-registration required. Contact Bigrock Mountain
(207-425-6711) FMI
Friday, February 19
Mont Farlagne Outdoor
Centre Snowshoe Under The Stars, Edmundston, NB. 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic
time) at Mont Farlagne Ski Area. On the menu: snowshoe, party with the Paiens
band, and bonfire. Cost: $25/person. Proceeds go to Canadian Cancer Society.
Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI
Saturday, February 20
Woodstock Rec. Snowshoe
3k/5k Race & Kids’ 1k, Woodstock, NB. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at AYR Motor Centre, 105
Connell Park Road. Race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic) in Connell Park.
Cost: $5/person; Kids’ 1k race is Free. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1672217796369982 FMI
Saturday, February 20
TAMC Snowshoeing Series,
Presque Isle.
9:30-10:30 a.m. at Aroostook State Park during their Take It Outside Day.
Guided group hike. Rentals available at this location, $2/pair. Cost: Park
entry fee. Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI
Saturday, February 20
Aroostook State Park Winter
Family Fun Day, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. We have everything you
need to have fun with the family, outside in Aroostook County’s winter
wonderland: XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating (bring skates), sliding, snowmobile
tote-rides, nature walks, warming hut, bonfire, hot food, Smokey the Bear,
Maine Game Wardens. Equipment available. Fee: $1.50/person ages 12-64; all
others FREE. Contact Aroostook State Park (207-768-8341) FMI
Saturday, February 20
Perth-Andover Winter
Carnival Family Winter Fun Day, Perth-Andover, NB. 12:30-3:30 p.m. (Atlantic
Time) at Veteran's Field. Activities: Chainsaw Carving Demonstration, Sleigh
Rides, Taffy in the Snow, Science East, Human Family Foosball Tournament ,
Outside Skating, Bon Fire, more! Contact Perth-Andover Recreation Department
(506-273-4845) FMI
Saturday, February 20
Woodstock Rec. Snowshoe
Poker Rally, Woodstock, NB. 8:00 p.m. (Atlantic time) at Woodstock Golf &
Curling Club, 132 St. Andrews Street. Participants snowshoe to marked locations
around the golf course area. Each will collect a hand of cards on their return.
By chance, the best poker hand wins! Followed by an acoustic evening featuring
Ronny Michaud. Cost: $10/person. Must be 19yrs+. Visit www.facebook.com/events/219386638394381 FMI
*Wednesday, February 24
MSAD #1 Adult Ed. Fly Tying
Course, Presque Isle. Meets Wednesdays from Feb. 24-Mar. 30; 6:00-9:00
p.m. in PIHS Room 411. Learn to Tie Your Own Flies! Many anglers find it enjoyable to spend the
winter months tying their flies for the next years fishing season. This is a
very basic workshop that is geared toward beginners and for those that just
want to brush up on their techniques. Contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed. (207-764-4776)
or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI
*Thursday, February 25
MSAD #1 Adult Ed. Archery
Course, Presque Isle. Meets Thursdays from Feb. 25-Apr. 14; 6:00-8:00
p.m. in PIHS Gym. Do you want to learn how to use a bow and arrow? This class
is for you! This class will cover the basics of archery, including archery
safety. Ages 14+. Cost: $45. Contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed. (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI
Thursday, February 25
TAMC Ladies’ Rock Wall
Climbing Night, Presque Isle. 6:00-8:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall Rock
Wall. Ladies, come and enjoy indoor rock climbing with just other women!
Participants are asked to bring sneakers, comfortable clothing, a water bottle,
and enthusiasm! Cost: FREE! Sponsored by TAMC. Contact Amanda Baker
(207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI
*Saturday, February
27-Sunday, February 28
Maine Winter Sports Center
Intro to Backcountry Ski Touring Weekend, Patten. Learn basics of ski
touring, backcountry travel while exploring Maine wilderness in winter, skiing
along East Branch of the Penobscot River, learning tips and tricks to help you make
the most of your backcountry adventures. Cost: $95; includes instruction, food,
group camping equipment. Participants must provide personal gear including skiing
equipment. Contact Mike Smith mikes@mainewsc.org
FMI
Saturday, February 27
Mont Farlagne Outdoor
Centre Slam Jam, Edmundston, NB. Event takes place at our brand new snowpark;
composed of Friendly and Competitive Rail & Jump. Everybody is invited to
come join and cheer up all the riders! Lots of fun and adrenaline for all!
Registration: 9:00 a.m. in the Cafeteria. Friendly Jam: 11:30 a.m. (Free).
Competitive Jam: 1:30 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: FREE/Friendly Jam,
$20/Competitive Jam; helmets mandatory. Contact Eric Morin ericmorin29@yahoo.ca FMI
*Saturday, February 27
Limestone Ski Club C-Me-Ski
– Aroostook Cup #3, Limestone. A great classic tour and race. Come out and
enjoy the beauty of the wooded trails, the wildlife, and some good food!
Distances: .5k-2k/ages 13 and under; 7k/ages 13-18; 9k/adults. Registration:
12:00 p.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, 97 Refuge Rd. Youth race
start: 1:00 p.m. Adult race start: 1:30 p.m. Cost: $10 suggested donation.
Contact Limestone Ski Club (207-328-7491) FMI
Sunday, February 28
41st Annual Henry Anderson
Memorial Ski Dag – Aroostook Cup #4, Caribou. 5-mile, Classical XC ski race open to all
ages. This is the granddaddy of ‘em all! The longest continuously-run Nordic
race in Aroostook! Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Caribou Country Club. Race start:
10:00 a.m. Contact Caribou Parks & Recreation Department (207-493-4224) FMI
Sunday, February 28
Nordic Heritage Sport Club
Ladies' Snowy Sunday, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Just
because we are taking a year off from Aroostook Women's Ski Day doesn't mean we
can't get together and have some fun! Ski on your own or join a group. Bring
food to share for a potluck lunch. Bring your own skis or snowshoes -- we do
not have access to loaner equipment. Contact Heidi heidikbartley@gmail.com or Amanda baker.amandag@gmail.com FMI
*Thursday, March
3-Saturday, March 5
Caribou Rec. Chimney Pond
Nordic Ski Trip, Caribou and Baxter State Park. Girls and boys in grades
5-10 will get to experience Baxter State Park and Chimney Pond unlike they’ve
ever seen it before. Some Nordic ski experience required. Cost: $100; includes
lodging, transportation, meals. Some equipment available for use. Pre-registration
required. Contact Caribou Parks & Recreation Department (207-493-4224) FMI
Friday, March 4-Sunday,
March 6
UMPI Outing Club Cabin in
the Woods Weekend, Presque Isle and Kingfield. Snuggle up near the
woodstove as we go winter camping in an off-the-grid cabin. We will be
exploring the trails by snowshoe. This is a great introduction to winter
camping and snowshoeing! No experience required. Cost: $30/UMPI student,
$100/non-student; includes transportation, equipment rental (snowshoes), food,
lodging. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI
*Saturday, March 5
TAMC Snowshoeing Series,
Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30
a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Guided group hike. Cost: FREE! Contact Linda
Menard (207-768-4172) FMI
*Saturday, March 5
Himie Towle Memorial Ski
Frolic – Aroostook Cup #5, Presque Isle. Youth races (ages 15 and under) at varying
distances; 10k Freestyle (classic track also set) Race, 5k Tour for adults. Registration:
10:00 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Youth race start: 12:00 p.m. Adult race
start: 12:30 p.m. Cost: $20/family, $10/adult, $5/youth; includes lunch.
Contact Tom Towle (207-227-6306) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org
FMI
*Saturday, March 5-Sunday,
March 6
Fort Kent Outdoor
Center/Can-Am Crown Skijoring Races, Fort Kent. Skijoring: a blend of XC
skiing and mushing, where skier and animal(s) work together. 2k, 4k Sprint
races under the lights Saturday; 5k, 15k races Sunday, at Fort Kent Outdoor
Center. Cash prizes to be announced after sponsorship is finalized! Cost:
$20/2k, $30/4k, $35/5k, $45/15k; $5 discount if entered in two races. Contact
Laura Audibert (207-834-6773) or la4568@roadrunner.com FMI
*Saturday, March 5-Sunday,
March 6
Woodstock Sanctuary House
Winter Baseball, Woodstock, NB. We are looking for teams for Woodstock’s first
Winter Baseball event held at Ayr Motor Centre’s Shiretown and Jeff Clark
Baseball fields. All are welcome! Registration deadline: February 27. Cost:
$10/person. All moneys go to Woodstock Sanctuary House. Canteen available
inside Ayr Motor Centre. Contact Woodstock Sanctuary House sanctuary@nb.aibn.com FMI
*Wednesday, March 9
Aroostook Birders Annual
Slide Show and Pot Luck, Presque Isle. 7:00 p.m. at Maine Dept. of Environmental
Protection, 1235 Central Drive. Birds of a feather flock together; join us for
an evening of show and tell! Bring one of your very best bird photos of the
year and a dish to add to our pot luck supper. Contact Bill Sheehan
(207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI
*Thursday, March 10
Caribou Rec. Ski 4 Life
Downhill Program, Caribou. Meets Thursdays at 2:45 p.m. on 3/10, 3/24, 3/31,
4/7. Learn to ski. Open to students in grades 6-8. Cost: $80; includes lift
ticket, ski rentals, lesson, transportation. Participants will need to bring a
bag lunch or money to eat at the mountain. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224)
or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
*Saturday, March 12
Acadia FCU Marathon –
Aroostook Cup #6, Madawaska. 40k classic/skate race with cash prizes; 20k
classic/skate race. Pasta meal with lots of raffle prizes for all skiers. Race
start: 11:00 a.m. at Four Seasons Trails. Fee: $25/40k racers, $15/20k
racers. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org
FMI
*Saturday, March 12
3rd Annual Angel Snowfest,
St. Agatha. All-day
event at Lakeview Restaurant; live music, outdoor Ice Bar, Snowshoe/Walk,
Luminary Walk on the breathtaking Lakeview trails. Proceeds benefit Angel
Flight NE and Edgar J. Paradis Cancer Fund. Fee: $15; includes neck-warmer,
stew, entertainment. Visit www.facebook.com/angelsnowfest
FMI
*Sunday, March 13
Sportsmen’s Inc. Kids’ Ice
Fishing Day, Madawaska Lake. 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All fishing equipment and
bait provided. First 100 kids registered will receive a free ice fishing trap.
Food available. Visit “Sportsmen’s Inc.” on facebook FMI
*Sunday, March 13
UMPI Outing Club Snowshoe
Hike, Presque Isle.
1:00-4:00 p.m. at Aroostook State Park. Cost: FREE! Includes guide,
transportation, equipment. No experience required. Participants should sign up
no later than Friday, March 11 by 3:00 p.m. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401)
or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI
*Monday, March 14
Caribou Rec. Take It
Outside Series Adult Ice Fishing Trip, Madawaska Lake. Depart Caribou Rec. at 9:00
a.m.; return by 3:00 p.m. Cost: $25/ages 18-69, includes on day fishing license;
$20/ages 70 and up, includes lifetime fishing license; fees include
transportation, ice traps, bait, ice auger, lakeside lunch, campfire. Bring
folding chairs, warm clothes, blanket. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Ongoing Programs:
County Strides Running
Group, Presque Isle. Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at various locations. Open to all
abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Visit County
Strides at www.facebook.com/groups/447181508818122 FMI
Bootlegger Snowshoe
Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Fourth Sunday of each month at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at
the end of Path Brissette. Get to know the magical setting of the Bootlegger
trails on this guided hike. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI
Sportsmen’s, Inc.
Meeting, Stockholm. First Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Axle Siding Clubhouse
(intersection of Lake Street/Rt. 161). Outdoors men and women promoting the
traditions of the outdoors. If you're interested in joining, you're welcome to
attend as a guest. Kids are welcome too! Visit www.facebook.com/Sportsmens-Inc-568794129811741 FMI
*Friends of Aroostook
National Wildlife Refuge Meeting, Limestone. Second Monday of each month; 6:00
p.m. at ANWR headquarters and Visitor’s Center, 97 Refuge Rd. Founded in 1998, Friends
are involved in a number of volunteer projects on the ANWR in an effort to
balance the enhancing of habitat with the public access privilege to enjoy
wildlife in an unmolested environment. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634)
or friendsofanwr@gmail.com FMI
TAMC Couch to 5k
Program, Presque Isle. Tuesdays & Thursdays; Feb. 9-Apr. 15; 6:00
a.m. or 4:45 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Choose the time that works best for
you. Get off the couch; train your body to run or walk in one of many 5k events
next summer. Participants invited to take part in UMPI Spring Runoff, Apr. 9.
Cost: $40; Free w/Gentile Hall membership. Contact Sarah Caron (207-768-4169)
or scaron@emhs.org or Linda Menard
(207-768-4172) or lmenard@emhs.org FMI
Nordic Heritage Sport
Club Meeting, Presque Isle. First Tuesday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic
Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. The club promotes healthy outdoor
recreation, economic vitality in Central Aroostook County by providing
first-class facilities and programs to area residents, athletes, visitors.
Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org FMI
Madawaska Valley
Adventure Club Meeting, Madawaska. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30
p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Contact Real Deschaine
(207-728-4992) FMI
*Four Seasons Trail
Association Snowshoe Hike, Madawaska. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 1:00 p.m. at Four
Seasons Lodge. Group snowshoeing/walking on trails. Bring lunch. Contact FSTA
(207-728-7047) FMI
Valley Outdoor Centre
Wednesday Night Skiing, Centreville, NB. Wednesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time)
at VOC, 133 Upton Rd. Come on out for a night ski with a group to keep you
company. Bring headlamp, stay for snacks, drinks afterwards. Cost: $2/member,
$5/non-member, $3/rentals. Visit Valley Outdoor Centre at www.facebook.com/valleyoutdoor FMI
Four Season Trail
Association Meeting, Madawaska. First Wednesday of each month; 6:30
p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Non-profit organization dedicated to
promotion of healthier lifestyles for this community; participation open to
anyone interested. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI
*Nordic Heritage Sport
Club/TAMC Youth Ski Program, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
at Nordic Heritage Center. February 27-March 26. UMPI Ski Team coaches will combine
instruction and technique training with obstacle courses and games on skis. For
children 6- 14 years of age. Contact Joey Bard joey.bard@maine.edu FMI
Mont Farlagne Outdoor
Centre Ice Wall, Edmundston, NB. Saturdays; 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Sundays; 1:00-5:00 p.m. (All times
Atlantic). Our ice wall is open for the season! First come, first served basis.
Cost: $25/hour; $15/equipment rental; $65/2 hours (includes equipment). It will
also be possible to buy ice wall climbing equipment at our pro shop in the
upcoming weeks. See you on the wall! Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI
