Aroostook Outdoor News: 3.3.17 edition

In this edition: 1) #Skijoring and #snowshoeing in #FortKent. 2) #WinterSports days in #Houlton and #NewSweden. 3) A fun family #XCSki event in #PresqueIsle. Plus lots more! #offugo…

#AroostookThing(s) of the week: Skijoring Races and the 1st Annual Snowshoe Challenge in Fort Kent.

MUSH!

No, I’m not talking about springtime snow conditions. I’m talking about the term that attendees will hear at this weekend’s Can-Am Crown Sled Dog races.

It’s a fun time, and the folks in Fort Kent (aka: The Little Town That Could) do a great job transforming their community into the center of the winter universe in Aroostook for a few days.

Once the mushers and their dogs hit the trail, there is still plenty to do for spectators and for those that want to play in the snow.

On Saturday, the Can-Am Crown will host the 1st Annual Snowshoe Challenge at 12:00 p.m. at Lonesome Pine Trails on Forest Ave.

Organizers invite the public to join them for a snowshoe race after all the Can-Am Crown Mushers have left the starting line.

Races involve 11 and under and 12-15 y/o divisions racing on a flat course, while the 16 and above division runs up The Far Side trail, and then down the Founders trail. The cost is $5/15 and under and $10/16 and above.

Contact Michelle Labbe (207-231-0386) FMI

On Saturday and Sunday, the Fort Kent Outdoor Center is hosting Skijoring Races, which involve a blend of XC skiing and mushing, where skier and animal(s) work together.

There are 2k and 4k Sprint races under the lights on Saturday, and 6k and 18k races on Sunday. The per racer cost varies by distance: $20/2k, $25/4k, $35/5k, $45/15k.

Fort Kent Outdoor Center is located at 33 Paradis Cir. Contact FKOC fkocevents@gmail.com or visit www.fortkentoc.org/skijoring-in-fort-kent FMI

#AroostookNote: There’s more snow on the way! It may have recently felt like spring outside, but did you know #DYK that Aroostook County (specifically, Caribou) averages 18 inches of snow in March? www.usclimatedata.com

Events:

Saturday, March 4-Sunday, March 5

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; 6k, 18k races Sunday, at Fort Kent Outdoor Center, 33 Paradis Cir. Cost: $20/2k, $25/4k, $35/5k, $45/15k; 10% discount if registered before February 24. Contact FKOC fkocevents@gmail.com or visit www.fortkentoc.org/skijoring-in-fort-kent FMI

Saturday, March 4

Can-Am Crown 1st Annual Snowshoe Challenge, Fort Kent. 12:00 p.m. at Lonesome Pine Trails, Forest Ave. Join us for a snowshoe race after all the Can-Am Crown Mushers have left the starting line. 11 and under, 12-15 y/o divisions race are on flat course; 16 and above division runs up The Far Side trail, down Founders trail. Cost: $5/15 and under, $10/16 and above. The above race runs up The Far Side trail and down the Founders trail. Contact Michelle Labbe (207-231-0386) FMI

Saturday, March 4

Houlton Recreation Department Winter Sports Day, Houlton. Borrow gear from our Winter Sports Trailer and give cross country skiing and snowshoeing a try; bundle up and see you there! 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Linneus Sno-Sports Club, Mill Brook Rd. More dates to be announced. Cost: FREE! Contact Houlton Rec. (207-532-1310) FMI

Saturday, March 4

81st Annual New Sweden Community Sno Carnival, New Sweden. Events and activities for children and adults; snowshoeing, XC skiing, lip sync contest, sledding under the lights, fireworks, more at New Sweden Trails, 113 Westmanland Road. Lasagna Dinner available for purchase. Contact New Sweden School (207-896-5541) FMI

*Sunday, March 5

Himie Towle Memorial Ski Frolic, Presque Isle. Aroostook Cup Series Race #5. Youth races (ages 15 and under) at varying distances; 10k Freestyle Race (classic track also set), 5k Tour for adults. Registration: 11:00 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. Youth race start: 1:00 p.m. Adult race start: 1:30 p.m. Cost: $20/family, $10/adult, $5/youth; includes lunch. Contact Tom Towle (207-227-6306) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI

Wednesday, March 8- Wednesday, April 12

SAD 1 Adult & Community Education Fly Tying Course, Presque Isle. Wednesdays, Mar. 8-Apr. 12; 6:00-9:00 p.m. at SAD 1 Adult & Comm. Ed., 79 Blake St. Learn to tie your own flies. Many anglers find it enjoyable to spend winter months tying flies for next year's fishing season. This very basic workshop is geared toward beginners and those who want to brush up on techniques. Cost: $30. Contact SAD 1 Adult & Comm. Ed. (207-764-4776) or visit www.msad1.coursestorm.com FMI

Friday, March 10

Francis Malcolm Science Center Moonlight Snowshoe Hike, Easton. 6:30 p.m. at FMSC, 776 Houlton Road. Join us for a 1-hour hike through our beautiful woods. Hot chocolate served following the hike. Reservations required. Cost: $5/adult, $3/child, $20/family. Snow shoes available at no charge with paid admission. Please bring flashlight or head lamp. Contact FMSC (207-488-5451) or tricia@francismalcolmsciencecenter.com FMI

Saturday, March 11

4th 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

Saturday, March 11

42nd Annual Henry Anderson Memorial Ski Dag, Caribou. Aroostook Cup Series Race #4. 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, 728 Sweden St. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Caribou Parks & Recreation Department (207-493-4224) FMI

Sunday, March 12

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. Contact Northstar Variety (207-896-3239) or visit “Sportsmen Inc.” on facebook FMI

*Sunday, March 12

Gateway Snowmobile Club Spring Fling/Family Fun Day, Van Buren. 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Gros Bens Mountain (end of Poplar St.). Snow sledding, snowmobile rides, X-country skiing, snowshoeing, food, refreshments. All Free! Contact Joseph Michaud (207-868-4062) FMI

*Sunday, March 12

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Snowshoe Outing, Fort Kent. 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center, 33 Paradis Cir. Come join us for a relaxed snowshoe outing! Cost: Free/FKOC member, $5/non-members; includes snowshoe rental and day pass. Visit www.10thmtnskiclub.org FMI

Wednesday, March 15

Aroostook Birders Annual Slide Show and Pot Luck, Presque Isle. 6:00 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

Saturday, March 18

Acadia FCU Marathon, Madawaska. Aroostook Cup Series Race #6. 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, 425 Spring St. Fee: $25/40k racers, $20/20k racers, $10/18 and under. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org/acadia-fcu-marathon FMI

*Saturday, March 25

Lonesome Pine Trails Ski Invitational Race, Fort Kent. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Lonesome Pine Trails, Forest Avenue. Slalom and Giant Slalom downhill youth races. Contact Lonesome Pine Trails (207-834-5202) or info@lonesomepines.org or visit www.lonesomepines.org FMI

*Saturday, March 25

Wilderness Walk for Warriors Mars Hill Area Veterans Luncheon, Mars Hill. 12:00-2:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 118, 1 Silver St. Luncheon and slideshow to incorporate 2014/2015/2016 hikes, along with the many things the organization has done since inception in 2013, plus thank you food boxes for local area veterans. Visit www.facebook.com/Wilderness-Walk-for-Warriors -615012731884921 FMI

*Saturday, April 1

Valley Running Fools’ Errand Fun Run, Fort Kent. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center, 33 Paradis Cir. Happy April Fools’ Day! Join others for trail running and weekend funning. XC trails, single-track trails, great views await. There may be a few surprises along the way. Distance: approximately 5 miles; may increase depending on group. Bring food, water, etc. Visit Valley Running on facebook www.facebook.com/groups/1605659379727285 FMI

*Saturday, April 8

37th Annual UMPI Spring Runoff 5k Road Race, Presque Isle. Race #2 in the County Challenge Series. Fundraiser for UMPI Cross Country running programs. Run as an individual or 3-person relay team. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Wieden Gym. Walk start: 9:30 a.m. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Pizza and Pepsi will be served after the race! Cost: $15/individual, $25/relay team. Contact Chris Smith (207-768-9472) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu 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

Francis Malcolm Science Center Walk-in Tours, Easton. Weekdays; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Experience our planetarium’s new, full-dome, digital projection system, featuring a 30-minute activity; 15 minutes in the star theater, 15 minutes to visit the facility at large. Cost: $5/visitor; reservations requested. Contact FMSC (207-488-5451) 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

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

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

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

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