Aroostook Outdoor News: 7.14.16 edition
Potato Blossom Festival is in full swing! Get
to Fort Fairfield for #spuds #bikes #runs #boats and more!
In this edition: #FortFairfield takes
center stage: 1) A #BikeRodeo and classic #cycling race. 2) A #5mile #RoadRace.
3) A fun #paddle and float in the #AroostookRiver. Plus lots more! #AroostookThing
#offugo...
Friday, July 15
Potato Blossom Festival
Bike Rodeo, Fort Fairfield. 9:00 a.m. at CP Station Park. For kids ages 12
and under. Bring your bike and join in the fun! Visit www.fortfairfield.org FMI
Saturday, July 16-Sunday,
July 17
Maine State Parks and Lands
Loon Plate Weekend, Statewide. All vehicles bearing Maine Loon Conservation
license plates are allowed free entrance to Maine state parks and historic
sites; does not apply to Baxter State Park and some other facilities. Contact
Aroostook State Park (207-768-8341) FMI
Saturday, July 16
2016 Maine Audubon Loon
Count Project, Statewide. Be a citizen scientist; go to your favorite lake
or pond to count loons and help protect them and their lake habitat. The count
occurs between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.; the early morning provides an excellent
snapshot of our loon population. Registration required. Contact Susan Gallo
(207-781-2330 x216) or sgallo@maineaudubon.org FMI
*Saturday, July 16
Village of Centreville
Annual 5k Run/Walk, Centreville, NB. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Centreville
Community School. Run/Walk start: 8:30 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Water,
muffins, fruit available after race. Hope to see you all there! Cost:
$20/person; t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Contact Centreville Village Office
(506-276-3671) FMI
Saturday, July 16
Potato Blossom Festival
5-Miler, Fort Fairfield. Registration: 7:30 a.m. across from Hillside IGA,
Main St. Walk start: 8:30 a.m. Run start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $15/person; t-shirt
to first 70 registrants. Contact Paul Lamoreau (207-764-6517) FMI
Saturday, July 16
LP Fisher Public
Library/River Valley Runners Kids' Kilometre Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. 10:00 a.m. (Atlantic
Time) at L.P. Fisher Public Library, 679 Main St. 1km “race” for ages 0-15.
Parents welcome to run with children. Strollers welcome. No dogs please (except
service animals). Registration required. Cost: FREE! Finisher prizes (books!), refreshments
provided. Contact LP Fisher Library (506-325-4777) FMI
Sunday, July 17
Potato Blossom Festival
Spud Cycle Classic, Fort Fairfield. 25-mile and 12-mile (for ages 13-15) events.
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at FF Community Center. Race start: 10:00 a.m. at FF
Public Library. Cost: $15/rider; includes t-shirt to first 50 registrants.
Contact Tom Towle (207-472-3882) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI
Sunday, July 17
Potato Blossom Festival
Floatilla of Fun, Fort Fairfield. Bring your kayaks and canoes; join us on the
Aroostook River for an afternoon of floating, fun, serenity, many opportunities
to enjoy wildlife. 2:00 p.m. at Forbes Landing, 6 mi. north of Fort Fairfield
on Rt. 161. Cost: FREE! Contact Tom Towle (207-472-3882) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI
Monday, July 18-Wednesday,
July 20
Maine Winter Sports Center
Summer Youth Biathlon Camp, Fort Kent. Campers ages 10-14 will learn about biathlon,
safety, equipment handling, physical preparation. Biathlon is first-and-foremost
an endurance sport and participants will use the on-foot sports of running,
hiking, orienteering to be active and enjoy Maine’s outdoors. Cost:
$295/overnight participant, $195/day participant. Contact Lauren Jacobs
(207-227-8580) or lauren@mainewsc.org FMI
Saturday, July 23
Allagash Wilderness
Waterway 50th Anniversary Celebration, Churchill Dam. Activities: open fire
baking contest, bean supper w/homemade ice cream, ME Forest Service and ME
DIF&W demos, Boarding House and History Center tours, blacksmith demo,
working Lombard Log Hauler, bateau rides, canoe flows (with shuttle service),
music, bonfire. Canoe rentals, weekend camping available. Contact Maine Forest
Service (207-695-3721) or visit www.maine.gov/allagash FMI
Saturday, July 23
Presque Isle Historical
Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. This
guided two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16
Third Street, and covers over 30 historic sites and individuals. Fee: FREE; $2
donation suggested. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI
Saturday, July 23
Friends of Baxter State
Park Evening Program at Katahdin Stream, Millinocket. 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Katahdin
Stream Campground. Join writers Paul Corrigan and Bryan Wiggins for a selection
of Katahdin-themed readings around the campfire at Katahdin Stream. Cost: Free!
Pre-registration required. Contact Sarah Holland admin@friendsofbaxter.org FMI
Friday, July 29 to
Saturday, July 30
Nordic Trail Festival,
Presque Isle. Nordic
Heritage Sport Club hosts a celebration of community, trails and lifestyle.
Tackle the trails for a day of running or biking; relax and take part in
various events. Enjoy live music, games, contests, food, racing, and the awesome
trails of the Nordic Heritage Center. Visit www.nordictrailfestival.com FMI
Saturday, July 30
Tim Horton’s Joe McGuire
Road Race, Woodstock, NB. 10k Run, 5k Run/Walk. Route is flat and fast along
the beautiful St. John River. Registration: on-line only at www.atlanticchip.ca. Race start: 8:30 a.m.
(Atlantic) at Woodstock Fire Station/Town Hall, 824 Main St. Contact Woodstock
Recreation Dept. (506-325-4671) FMI
Saturday, July 30
Team Berry Sisters 2nd
Annual 5k Walk for MS, Island Falls. Join us to raise funds and awareness for MS.
If 5k is too much, take the 1-mile route! Registration: 8:00 a.m. at VFW King
Mitchell Post 7529, 82 Houlton Rd. Run/Walk start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $25/person
(suggested registration fee.) Contact Susan Batchelder (207-949-6968) or susren1972@aol.com FMI
Saturday, July 30
UMFK 5k Run/Walk, Fort
Kent.
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at UMFK Sports Center. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Proceeds
benefit Dylan R. Levesque Memorial Scholarship, which helps students who have overcome
adversity and hardship. Contact Lucas Levesque (207-834-7876) or lucas.levesque@maine.edu FMI
Saturday, July 30
Island Falls Lakes
Association Summer Fest Around the Pond Canoe/Kayak Race, Island Falls. Find your competitive
spirit and enter our fun race! Proceeds support college scholarship fund. Paddle
around Pleasant Pond while helping a local high school student fund their
college dreams. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Birch Point Campground, 33 Birch
Point Lane. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Visit www.islandfallslakesassociation.com FMI
Saturday, July 30
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Children’s
Mickey Finn Wildlife Festival, Houlton. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Riverside Park. Join
us for a day of learning and fun as part of our Outdoor Heritage and
Conservation Education Program. This rain or shine event is for families with
youngsters ages 3-15. Children will learn new outdoor skills at interactive
stations and may participate in activities with great prizes. RSVP by 7/25. Contact
WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI
Saturday, July 30
Brayons Cours Kids’ 1k,
Edmundston, NB. Race
start: 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at Sports Experts, 33 Canada Rd., downtown
Edmundston. For children 12 and under. Cost: $5/runner. Contact Daniel Violette
dviolett@nbnet.nb.ca FMI
Sunday, July 31
10th Annual Brayons Cours
10k, Edmundston, NB.
Registration: 6:30 a.m. (all times Atlantic) at Palladium Arena, 25 Park
Street, St. Jacques, NB. 21.1k start: 8:30 a.m. 3k, 5k, 10k, 3k walk start:
8:35 a.m. Mostly flat course; run on pavement, street, bike trail. Cost:
$50/runner on race day. Technical t-shirt to first 200 registered online to 5k,
10k, 21.1k. Contact Daniel Violette dviolett@nbnet.nb.ca or visit www.inscriptionenligne.ca/brayons-cours/race-info FMI
Monday, August 1
Village of Bath New
Brunswick Day River Run, Bath, NB. Meet at 1:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at the
Ferry Landing. Paddle to Florenceville (approx. 12k) with a stop at Nature
Trust of NB Green Island Nature Preserve for interpretive activities. Canoe, kayak
rentals available. No registration necessary. Contact Bath Fair Grounds
(506-278-5293) or bathfairgrounds@gmail.com or visit www.bathfairgrounds.com FMI
Saturday, Aug 6
Friends of Baxter State
Park Day Hike of New Abol Trail, Millinocket. After two years of hard
work by Maine Conservation Corps and BSP staff, the Abol Trail has reopened.
Come check out the new version of this historic route to the summit of Katahdin!
Limited lean-to space available Friday evening for those who would like to stay
the night before. Pre-registration required. Contact Sarah Holland admin@friendsofbaxter.org FMI
*Saturday, August 6
SFC Aaron Henderson
Memorial 5k Run/Walk, Houlton. This is a cross country style race.
Registration: 7:30 a.m. at Houlton Community Park. Presentation 8:30 a.m.
Run/Walk start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $20/person; t-shirt to first 100 registrants. All
proceeds to Green Beret Foundation. Contact MACS Trading Post (207-521-4904) or
visit www.active.com/houlton-me/running/distance-running-races/2nd-annual-sfc-aaron-henderson-memorial-5k-2016
FMI
Saturday, August 6
Island Falls Summer Fest Pie
Run 5k, Island Falls.
Kids’ Run start: 8:45 a.m. at Island Falls Municipal Building. Walk/Run start:
9:00 a.m. Winners receive their choice of homemade pies and other delectable
desserts. Cost: $12/pre-reg., $15/day of race; first 100 receive t-shirt.
Contact John Walker (207-504-1456) or jswalkerinc@gmail.com FMI
Saturday, August 6
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust
Mud Lake Falls Canoe Trip, Forest City. 9:00 a.m. at WWLT Center, 2 Grove Road. Pack
your lunch and join Maine Guide Homer Clough for a flat water paddle from Spednic
landing to the base of the stunning falls. Participants will learn the
importance of the Booming Out Ground and experience the late-successional forest
and ecological reserve. Box lunch available upon request. Contact WWLT
(207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI
*Saturday, August 6
Perth-Andover Rec Tuff Muck
Challenge, Perth-Andover, NB. Become "One Tuff Mucker" by
completing the 6k course; leave covered in mud as you complete 16 different
obstacles along the way. Tackle the course on your own or create a team for
competition or just for the fun of it!
Live music throughout the day. Online pre-registration required. Cost: $80/person.
Contact Perth-Andover Rec (506-273-4959) or visit www.perth-andover.com/tuff-muck-challenge
FMI
Sunday, August 7
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust
Old Tannery Walking Tour, Forest City. 9:30 a.m. at WWLT Center, 2 Grove Road. Meet on
the porch to learn about the Old Forest City Tannery and its importance in the
community. Walking Tour of the Old Tannery Site 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Sturdy shoes
recommended. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI
Sunday, August 7
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust
Annual Meeting/Children's Activities, Forest City. 12:30 p.m. at WWLT
Center, 2 Grove Road. Join members and guests for the Annual Meeting, with a
program on 1930’s logging, significance of the Booming Out Ground, preservation
of this historic area. Activities planned for children ages 3-13. Contact WWLT
(207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI
*Saturday, August 13
Mars Hill Mountain
Challenge, Mars Hill. 9:00 a.m. at Bigrock Mountain Ski Area. 5k course
with plenty of elevation gain; natural and man-made obstacles. Register as an
individual, then create a 4-person team if interested. Open to ages 15+;
recommended for ages 18+. Pre-registration required; online only. Cost: $65/person;
includes t-shirt, lift ticket for upcoming season. Visit www.marshillmountainchallenge.com
FMI
Ongoing Programs:
Sentiers Madawaska
Trails Blue Loop Challenge, Edmundston, NB. Always wanted to MTB race without
stress, cost? This is for you! Open STRAVA account, register, come to the
trails, follow blue arrows for 7.5k cross country-style course. Race as many
times as you want from 7/2-8/26.
10 fastest in each of 4 categories: Men, Women, Junior Boys/Girls (16 and
under) will be in a draw for $100 cash, held 8/29. Everyone welcome, not just
locals! Visit www.strava.com/activities/611487055 FMI
C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure
Program Open Registration, Caribou. Weekdays. Exciting outdoor activities for youth
entering grades 5-11. 18-21: Mountain Biking. July 26-28; Baxter State Park I.
August 2-4: Baxter II. Cost/age: varies by program. Open to all area youth.
Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Fort Kent Outdoor Center
Road Bike Ride, Fort Kent. Sundays; 9:00 a.m. behind Irving on Main St.
June-September. Rides last 2+ hours and range 20-40 miles. All riders welcome.
Come join the fun and experience some great rides. Contact Norm Martin njmartin@fairpoint.net FMI
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
Rivière-Bleue
Appalachian Hiking Club Guided Bootlegger Trail Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Fourth
Sunday
of each month; 1:30 p.m. at the end of Brissette Way. Hike to Long Lake. Visitors
are invited to get acquainted with The Bootlegger trails, which will connect
you with exceptional nature, islands, animals, and a magical setting. Cost:
Free! Contact Marie-Jo Cormier (418-893-2859) or marie-jo.cormier@riviere-bleue.ca FMI
Presque Isle Rec. Youth
Geocaching/Hiking, Presque Isle. Mondays; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Riverside Park. For
boys and girls in Grades 6-9. Let our instructors open your eyes to our
beautiful trails; explore Mantle Lake Park, Haystack, Quoggy Jo, and many more
trails in this new and exciting option to our adventure programs! Cost:
$25/student. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) FMI
Nordic Heritage Sport
Club Youth Mountain Bike Program, Presque Isle. Mondays; 5:30 p.m. at Nordic
Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. June 20-August 8. All area youth 9-14
years old are strongly encouraged to come out and enjoy the fantastic single
track mountain bikes trails the NHC has to offer. Cost: FREE! Liability form completed
by parent or guardian required. Contact Joey Bard joey.bard@maine.edu FMI
MOJO Monday Meander,
Presque Isle. Mondays;
6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports, 30 North St. Easy road bike group ride.
Average speed: 14-18 mph for 22 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI
Nordic Heritage Sport
Club Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic
Heritage Center Lodge, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. Distance: 8-12 miles. All
abilities welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom
Chasse (207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI
River Valley Runners
Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Mondays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library. Group
fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb 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
Presque Isle Rec. Youth
Mountain Biking, Presque Isle. Tuesdays & Thursdays; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at
Riverside Park Building. July 5-August 11. Rain or shine. For boys and girls in
Grades 6-9. Open to bikers of all abilities; learn to climb steep hills, bunny
hop over a log, stop in a hurry and have a blast with your friends. We will
explore Presque Isle trails at Nordic Heritage Center, Aroostook State Park.
Cost: $25/student. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) FMI
LP Fisher Library
Walking Club, Woodstock, NB. Tuesdays; 12:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). A nice 30 minute
(2.8k) jaunt, followed by 20 minutes of stretching led by our resident yoga
teacher. All abilities, ages welcome (parents, bring your kids in strollers!).
Stretches can be done on the floor with our mats or on chairs. Cost: Free! No
sign up necessary. Rain or shine (unless it's really, really bad!). Get out
this spring and get moving! Contact LP Fisher Library (506-325-4777) or lpfisher.library@gnb.ca FMI
Presque Isle Rec. Youth
Kayaking, Presque Isle. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays; 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Riverside Park
Building. July 5-August 11. For boys and girls in Grades 6-9. From pond to
stream to river, join us as we learn to paddle a touring kayak; explore the
many bodies of water all around us, learn water safety procedures, swift water
rescue. Cost: $25/student. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) FMI
Tuesday Track Workouts,
Caribou. Tuesdays;
5:15 p.m. at CHS. Join runners of all abilities to do predetermined intervals,
your own workout, or just run with others and forget the workout. Average
distance: 5-9 miles; can be adapted per individual. Contact PJ Gorneault pgorneault@rsu39.org FMI
Jessome’s Friendly
Group Road Bike Ride, Edmundston, NB. Tuesdays; 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic)
at Jessome’s parking lot. Different routes/distances from 35k to 50k for intermediate
to advanced riders. Average speed: 25-30 kmh. Contact Marc-André Martin (506
735-6292) 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
Presque Isle Fish and
Game Club Meeting, Presque Isle. Last Tuesday of each month; 5:30 p.m. at PIFG
clubhouse, Parsons Road. Established in 1947 to help protect, conserve,
maintain and restore our natural resources as well as to protect and promote
our outdoor heritage. Meetings
include a delicious supper, cash bar, short business meeting. Visit www.pifg.org FMI
Presque Isle Rec. Adult
Kayaking, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 -8:00 pm. at Riverside Park Building.
July 6-August 10. First class meets at Riverside Park; all other classes will
be determined. From pond to stream to river, join us as we learn to paddle a
touring kayak; explore the many bodies of water all around us, learn water
safety procedures, swift water rescue. Cost: $25/person. Contact PI Rec.
(207-764-2545) FMI
Nordic Heritage Sport Club
Women's Trail Night, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge
parking lot. May-June. Beginner and advanced groups depart from the parking lot
at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Cost: FREE! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/823219364374296 FMI
Nordic Heritage Sport Club
Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage
Center Fort Road trailhead, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. 8-12 miles. All abilities
welcome. Happy to show visitors our amazing trail system. Contact Tom Chasse
(207-694-5222) or tom@bikeboardandski.com FMI
MOJO Good Times Ride,
Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports, 30 North St.
Moderate road bike group ride. Average speed: 15-18 mph for 20-30 miles.
Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI
Fort Kent Outdoor Center
Outdoor Activity Night, Fort Kent. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at FKOC. June 15-August 17. All-ages
activity options include: volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball, soccer,
mountain bike riding, trail walking/hiking—or whatever the leader feels like
doing! Cost: Free/FKOC member, $5/non-member. Contact Laura Audibert La4568@roadrunner.com or Sylvia Dow-Harvey sdowharvey@gmail.com FMI
Four Seasons 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
Fort Fairfield Frontier
Fish and Game Club, Fort Fairfield. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (fourth Wednesdays during summer);
6:00 p.m. at FFFFG clubhouse on Monson Pond, 550 Dorsey Rd. Founded in 1958 to
help conserve, protect, maintain, and restore our natural resources and to
promote our outdoor heritage. Visit www.heyevent.com/venue/bmyulgbaawlhca FMI
River Valley Runners
Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Thursdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library.
Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
Presque Isle Rec. Youth
Archery, Presque Isle. Fridays; hour-long classes beginning at 8:30 a.m. at
William V. Haskell Community Center. July 8-August 12. For boys and girls in
Grades 4 & up. Come enjoy the great sport of archery in a safe and fun
environment. Classes focus on range safety and basic shooting techniques with a
recurve bow. Cost: $25/student; all equipment provided. Contact PI Rec.
(207-764-2545) FMI
Bike Board and Ski Road
Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at BB&S rear entrance behind
Northeastland Hotel. 20-30 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18
mph. All abilities ride; no mountain bikes. Focus on improving group riding
skills, safety and etiquette. Spirited at times, but we regroup several times
along the way. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com FMI
River Valley Runners
Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library.
Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI
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