Aroostook Outdoor News: 12.24.15 edition

#MerryChristmas! Make the most of the warm weather. #GetOutside! #AroostookThing

In this edition: 1) A #Nordic #Ski festival in #FortKent. 2) A #backcountry #FilmFestival in Fort Kent. 3) An annual #Audubon #BirdCount in #PresqueIsle. Plus lots more! #offugo...

Sunday, December 27-Tuesday, December 29
Fort Kent Outing Club Nordic Ski Festival, Fort Kent. Looking for great Christmas snow for Nordic skiing? Look no further than FKOC, host of World Cup Biathlon, national, regional ski events. This year’s festival will feature a variety of events and lots of fun. Visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

*Thursday, December 26
Bigrock Mountain Opening Day, Mars Hill. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. It’s the day you’ve waited for: Bigrock opens for the season! Kick off the ski/snowboard season at Bigrock! Weather permitting. Visit www.bigrockmaine.com FMI

*Monday, December 28
FKOC Winter Wildlands Backcountry Film Festival, Fort Kent. 6:00 p.m. at the Century Theater, 13 Hall Street. Everyone loved it last year! Cost: $6; $3 with Fort Kent Outdoor Center or Lonesome Pine Trails season pass. Visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

Friday, January 1, 2016
Audubon Christmas Bird Count, Presque Isle. We invite you to join us for all or part of this day-long count in the Presque Isle area; all welcomed for this long-standing holiday tradition! Meet at 6:45 a.m. at Tim Horton’s, Main St. to break into groups, assign coverage areas. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, January 9-Sunday, January 10
Fort Kent Outdoor Center Regional Biathlon Competition, Fort Kent. Regional citizens’ series to give novices/youth a chance to enter low-pressure biathlon competitions to gain experience, as well as for more experienced athletes. Very low key races, similar to a time trial; just an opportunity to race for anybody. Visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

*Sunday, January 10
FSTA Deprey Classic Ski Race – Aroostook Cup #1, Madawaska. Kick off the 2016 Aroostook Cup series at Four Seasons Lodge. Registration: Noon. Start time, Distance: TBA. Cost: $10. Contact Colin Jandreau (207-728-6103) or jandreau@roadrunner.com FMI

Thursday, January 14
Baxter State Park Summer Camping Reservations Opening Day, Millinocket. 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. in-person only at Baxter State Park Authority Headquarters, 64 Balsam Drive, Millinocket. Only 20% of each campground may be reserved; two reservation limit per person or camp group. Contact Baxter State Park (207-723-5140) FMI

Saturday, January 23
Fort Kent Outdoor Center Full Moon Snowshoe Hike, Fort Kent. 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Contact FKOC (207-834-6203) or visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI

*Sunday, January 24
FKOC Frostbite XC Ski Event – Aroostook Cup #2, Fort Kent. Distances: 3k, 7.5k, 15k Freestyle. Registration: 11:30 a.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Race start, Fee: TBA. Contact Paul Cyr (207-834-6478) or bpcyr@fkglobal.com 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

UMPI Meteorology Course, Presque Isle. Mondays and Wednesdays from Jan. 19-May 12; 12:30-1:45 p.m. Learn about basic weather systems, how to identify cloud formations and interpret what they mean in terms of upcoming weather. Emphasis placed on northern Maine weather. Contact Ted Shapiro (207-764-4461) or tshapiro@wagmtv.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

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

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

*Fort Kent Outdoor Center Jalbert Youth Biathlon Program, Fort Kent. Saturdays; 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Jan. 9-Feb. 13. Open to youth ages 4-14; Nordic skiing, rifle shooting, and LOTS of games! Cost: Free; participants asked to purchase FKOC memberships or daily trail passes. Contact Gail Johnson stegacosa@yahoo.com FMI

* = New or updated item(s).
Location: Aroostook County, ME, USA

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