Aroostook Outdoor News: 8.11.17 edition
In
this edition: 1) Muskie fishing in Fort Kent. 2) Colorful 5k’s
in Madawaska and Houlton. 3) Walk for wishes in Presque Isle. Plus lots more!
Events:
Friday,
August 11-Sunday, August 13
FORT
KENT: Fort Kent International Muskie Derby. Begins at 9:00
a.m. Friday; scales open until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Muskie fishing is
considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in all of
North America. The scenic St. John River has over 225 miles of prime habitat
for Muskie fishing. Registration: open until Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Cost:
$40/adult, $20/youth under 16. Visit www.fortkent-muskie.com
FMI
Friday,
August 11
PRESQUE
ISLE: PI Historical Society Guided Historic Fairmount Cemetery Tour.
Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, 3 Houlton Road.
1.5-hour guided walking tour; discuss origins, Victorian influences, 30 local
historic figures. Many hills on tour. Cost: $5; reservations required. Contact
Kimberly Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org
FMI
Saturday,
August 12
MADAWASKA:
Madawaska Athletic Boosters 5k Color Run. Grab your friends
for a Color Run through Madawaska; dress in white and let us supply the color! Registration:
7:00 a.m. at Madawaska Multi-Purpose Building, 160 7th Ave. Race start: 8:30
a.m. Cost: $30/adult (18 & up), $15/youth (11-17); pre-registration (by
July 15) includes t-shirt, one color packet, contribution to Boosters. Contact
Mindy Braley (207-728-7069)
HOULTON:
Hodgdon High School My School Color Run. Registration: 8:00 a.m.
at Millar Arena, 94 Randall Ave. Run start: 9:00 a.m. Untimed 5k fun run/walk.
Several color splash zones throughout course; end with a color toss. Cost: $25/before
July 29; includes t-shirt, color packet, race bib. Contact Anita Levesque
(207-694-0314) or anitalevesque@msad70.org or
visit www.HodgdonColorRun.eventbrite.com FMI
MARS
HILL: Mars Hill Mountain Challenge. **Canceled**
Sunday,
August 13
PRESQUE
ISLE: Make-A-Wish Foundation's Walk for Wishes.
1:00-3:00 p.m. at University of Maine Presque Isle, 181 Main St. A fun
afternoon filled with BBQ, bounce house, face painting, and a walk around
campus to help support Make-A-Wish. Donations greatly appreciated. Contact Dawn
Larrabee d.larrabee@katahdintrust.com or
visit www.maine.wish.org
FMI
Wednesday, August 16
PRESQUE
ISLE: Presque Isle Rec & Parks Cross County Running. Learn
the value of being physically active, how much fun running on all terrain can
be. All levels of runners in grades 3-5 welcome. Registration deadline:
Aug. 16. Meets Aug. 21-Sept. 29 at Mantle Lake Park. All runners: Mondays 3:30-4:30
p.m. Grades 3-4: Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 p.m. Grade 5: Wednesdays 3:30-4:30. Contact
Chris Beaulieu (207-764-2545) FMI
Saturday,
August 19
PRESQUE
ISLE: 2nd Annual United Way of Aroostook Book It for Reading.
Registration: 7:30 a.m. at Mantle Lake Park, 110 Pine St. Kids’ 1-Mile Fun Run
start: 9:00 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 9:30 a.m. Cost: Fun Run: $10/person; 5k: $
25/person; increases post August 3. T-shirt to first 50 registrants, all
registrants select book of choice at finish line! Visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/PresqueIsle/BookItForReadingPRESQUEISLE
FMI
HOULTON:
Aroostook County Walk Like MADD 2017. Do something about drunk
driving in our community. This year, thousands of people in cities around the
nation will participate in 5k events to eliminate drunk driving from our
roadways. Registration: 7:30 a.m. at Houlton Rec., 128 Main St. Walk start:
9:00 a.m. Visit www.walklikemadd.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=751 FMI
SHIN
POND: Baxter Outdoors/Katahdin Woods & Waters Wild Maine Weekend 5k Relay. Course
weaves through pristine KWW National Monument; mostly dirt logging roads.
Registration: 8:30 a.m. at 100 yds. past Matagamon Wilderness Store &
Camps. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $30/5k Solo, $35/10k Solo, $55/10k Team.
Evening fun, food, entertainment at Shin Pond Village after race. Visit www.baxteroutdoors.com
FMI
PORTAGE
LAKE: Portage Lake Whoopie Pie Festival. 12:00-2:00 p.m. at
Portage Lake Municipal Building, 20 School St. Ben's Trading Post inflatable
archery range. Also, vendors selling whoopie pie samples for .25/each, live
music, games, bounce house for kids. Cost: FREE! Contact Taunja Jandreau (207-435-4361)
FMI
PORTAGE
LAKE: Historical Society Canoe Carry, Portage Lake. 7:00
p.m. Join in on this historical re-enactment of the traditional portage from
Little Machias Lake to Portage Lake. Distance: 2.1 miles; put in at southwest
corner of Portage Lake; land at Picnic Pavilion in Portage. Contact Jim Dumond
(207-227-1864) FMI
Sunday,
August 20
FORT
KENT: 27th Annual Tour de la Vallée. Bring family, friends on
a challenging grand tour of the St. John Valley. Bike 25, 50, 62, or 100 miles,
mountain bike 35 miles, or walk/run 3, 5, or 10 miles. Fully supported; rest
stops, medical, mechanical. Cost: $30/individual, $60/family; individuals must
raise $100 in pledges. Supports local cancer patients, families. Visit www.paradiscancerfund.org/tour-de-la-vallee
FMI
WASHBURN:
August Festival 3k Road Race & Charity Walk.
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Washburn District Elementary School. Race start:
8:30 a.m. Walk start: 8:35 a.m. Cost: $8. T-shirt to first 40 registrants.
Proceeds to benefit Quintin Thompson and Kelsey Farr. Contact Colbie Churchill
(207-551-5624) FMI
Monday, August 21
FORT
FAIRFIELD: Solar Eclipse Viewing. 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Fort
Fairfield Public Library, 339 Main St. Join us on the lawn to view this spectacular
solar eclipse! Glasses available for safe sun viewing. Arrive early for fun
science experiments, craft activities, and MORE! Open to the public; attendees
ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Contact FFPL (207-472-3880)
or dleighton@fortfairfield.org
FMI
Wednesday, August 23 and Saturday September 2
MONTICELLO:
Monticello Fish and Game Club Hunter Safety Course.
This two-part course will begins on August 23 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. at MF&GC,
82 Russell Rock Rd. Part 2 will be an all-day event on September 2 from 8:00
a.m.–4:00 p.m. Bring lunch, snacks, and drink. Cost Free! Contact MF&GC monticellofishandgame@gmail.com
FMI
Friday,
August 25
PRESQUE
ISLE: Boys and Girls Club of Presque Isle Community BBQ Bash. 3:30-7:00
p.m. at Mantle Lake Park, Pine St. Aroostook Band of Micmacs staff, in
collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club, will barbecue for the community.
Picnic under the pavilion, supervised playground and trail system, followed by family
canoeing at Arnold Brook Lake. Canoes available or bring your own. Contact Fenton
Jones (207-764-1972) FMI
CARIBOU:
CHS Alumni and Community XC Race. Distance: 2.75 miles.
Race as an individual or as a team. Runners start according to age; each
category starting one minute apart so everyone has a chance to win. Cost: FREE.
Registration: 6:30 p.m. at CHS Ski Building, 308 Sweden St. Race start: 7:45
p.m. Contact Roy Alden (207-498-3563) or ralden@rsu39.org FMI
VAN
BUREN: Class of 2018 Family Fun Glow Run 5k Run/Walk.
Run through colored powder stations plus plenty of glow sticks to add to the
colors. Registration: 7:30 p.m. at Van Buren High School, 169 Main Street. Run
start: 8:00 p.m. Cost: $25/person. Proceeds benefit Van Buren Class of 2018 and
Hemophilia Alliance of Maine. Visit www.VBGlowRun.com
FMI
Saturday,
August 26
PRESQUE
ISLE: UMPI/Wintergreen Arts Color Presque Isle 5k. If
life hands you color…run with it! The event is all about fun, fitness and the
arts! Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Cost:
$30/person before 8/1; $40/person after 7/31; free/under 10. Free t-shirt to
first 100 registrants. Contact UMPI (207-768-9452) or visit www.umpi.edu/colorpresqueisle5k FMI
PRESQUE
ISLE: Presque Isle Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour. 10:00
a.m.-Noon. 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.
Reservations suggested. Fee: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Contact Kim Smith
(207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org
FMI
CARIBOU:
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Aroostook River Trip.
9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Aroostook River from Caribou to Fort Fairfield is a
favorite trip for locals and visitors. Learn basic kayaking skills, stop for lunch
on the river at “The Ledges.” Cost: $10; includes transportation, gear.
Preregistration, bag lunch, snacks required. Contact Neal Sleeper
(207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org
FMI
WESTON:
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Mushroom Talk & Walk. 2:00
p.m. at First Settler’s Lodge, 341 US Route One. Esther
Tozier shares knowledge of edible, toxic, medicinal mushrooms; discuss
identification. Bring basket for gathering, sharp paring knife, notepad,
pencil. Cost: $10 donation suggested. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI
Friday, September 1
CARIBOU: Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult
Grand Falls Gorge/St. John River Boat Trip. 8:30
a.m.-4:00 p.m. Guided hike around NB’s Grand Falls Gorge; learn the history of
what the falls meant to early settlers. 4-hour pontoon boat cruise above Grand
Falls; eat lunch aboard the boat, enjoy the beauty of the natural landscape,
wildlife. Cost: $50; includes lunch. Preregistration required. Contact Neal
Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Monday, September 4
CARIBOU:
Viking Run. Kids’ running races on the Caribou High School
track; various distances according to age group. Registration: 8:00 a.m. Race
start: 9:00 a.m. Contact Roy Alden (207-498-3563) or ralden@rsu39.org FMI
CARIBOU
Labor Day Road Race. 5k walk start: 10:30 a.m. 8k run start: 11:00 a.m.
Meet at Caribou High School Ski Building. Contact Chris Smith (207-768-9472) or
christopher.smith@umpi.edu
FMI
Ongoing
Programs:
DEBOULLIE:
Maine Conservation Corps Volunteer Opportunity. Assist
MCC Field Team members working on trail corridor maintenance, trail system
repainting, stone step work, bog bridging. This is a great opportunity to learn
new skills or share your own! No prior trail work experience or minimum time
commitment required. Contact Cathy Herr (207-624-6092) or MConsCorps.VOC@maine.gov
FMI
PRESQUE
ISLE: County Strides Running Group. 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
CARIBOU:
C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure Program Open Registration. Weekdays.
Exciting outdoor activities for youth entering grades 5-11. July 25-27: Baxter
State Park I. August 1-3: Baxter State Park II. Cost/age: varies by program.
Open to all area youth. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) FMI
EASTON: Francis Malcolm Science Center Walk-in
Tours. 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
STOCKHOLM:
Sportsmen’s, Inc. Meeting. 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
LIMESTONE:
Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Meeting. 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
FORT
KENT: Fort Kent Outdoor Center Summer Nordic/Biathlon Training. Tuesdays and
Thursdays; 4:00 p.m. at FKOC, 33 Paradis Cir. For Nordic
skiers grade 6 and up. Goal: build base for next season, introduce skiers to
biathlon. Activities include running, biking, roller skiing, hiking; specific
strength for Nordic skiing, agility training exercises, games, and FUN! Contact
Carl Theriault theriaultcarl@hotmail.com
FMI
CARIBOU:
Tuesday Track Workouts. 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 (207-762-0613) pgorneault@rsu39.org
FMI
PRESQUE
ISLE: Nordic Heritage Sport Club Meeting. 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: Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Meeting. 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
MADAWASKA:
Four Seasons Trail Association Meeting. 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
MADAWASKA: Four Seasons Trail Association Walking
Group. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 1:00 p.m. at
Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Bring lunch. Contact Jacqueline Soucy
(207-728-7047) FMI
PRESQUE
ISLE: Women's Trail Night, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00
p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge parking lot, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. May-August.
Beginner and advanced groups depart from the parking lot at 6:00 p.m. sharp.
Cost: FREE! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/823219364374296 FMI
FORT
FAIRFIELD: Frontier Fish and Game Club. 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
