Aroostook Outdoor News: 7.2.15 edition

We’ve invented a new #hashtag: #AroostookThing is perfect for unique #CrownofMaine things, like #OutdoorEvents!

In this edition: 1) #MiracleMile in #Houlton. 2) An #AdventureRace in #Ashland. 3) #5k, #1k, #KidsK races in #GrandFallsNB. Plus lots more!

Happy #IndependenceDay and belated #CanadaDay! #offugo…

Friday, July 3
Miracle Mile: Makenna and Maggie’s Race for Research, Houlton
1-mile downhill race for runners and walkers. Registration: online only. Check-in: 4:00 p.m. at Military Street Baptist Church. Race start: 6:00 p.m. on Drake’s Hill, Military St.; finish in Market Square. Visit www.facebook.com/MiracleMileRace4Research FMI

Saturday, July 4
Ashland Ski Club Adventure Challenge Race, Ashland
7k; it’s not “Tough Mountain” but it is Ashland and we’ve always been a bit rough around the edges. Registration: Noon at Ashland Logging Museum. Race start; 1:00 p.m. Fee: $15. Contact Amanda Barker (207-435-4870) or ranger.amanda.barker@gmail.com FMI

Sunday, July 5
7th Annual Grand Falls Charity Run, Grand Falls, NB
Distances: 5k/10k; 1k Kids’ Run. Registration: online ONLY. Race kit pick up: 7:30 a.m. Start times: 1k: 8:30 a.m.; 5k/10k: 9:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic) at E.P. Senechal Center. Cost: $15/Kid’s Run; $25/5k & 10k; add $5 after June 28. Contact Julie Dubé (506-479-1882) info@valleyspcalavallee.com FMI

Monday, July 6-Friday, July 10
Libby Camps Kids’ Week, Oxbow
Bring your kids to experience the Maine outdoors! Kids under 20 stay free with 2 paying adults. Activities throughout include canoe race, outdoor scavenger hunt, fishing competitions, bonfires, many more. Contact Matt Libby mattandjess@libbycamps.com FMI

Monday, July 6-Tuesday, July 14
Maine Conservation Corps Scopan Public Lands Project, Chapman
Contact MCC at least one week ahead of time. Volunteers welcome for day time and overnight participation; must be at least 14 years of age. Contact Dylan Cookson, MCC Volunteer Coordinator (207-624-6092) or dylan.cookson@maine.gov FMI

Thursday, July 9
Malcolm Science Center Planetarium Presentation, Easton
4:00 p.m. Contact Malcolm Science Center (207-488-5451) or info@francismalcolmsciencecenter.com FMI

Friday, July 10
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Monument Brook Canoe Trip, Orient
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Depart Orient border crossing in Grand Laker canoes; paddle north to wildest place in the watershed. Great wildlife viewing! Guide’s lunch provided. Traditional wood/canvas canoes available or bring your own boat. Contact Patty Michaud (207-448-3250) or info@woodiewheaton.org FMI

Friday, July 10
Musterd Mile, Caribou
1-mile run on Sweden Street for all ages. Registration: 6:00 p.m. at Caribou High School Race start: 7:00 p.m. Contact Bruce Freme (207-496-8731) FMI

Friday, July 10
Our Katahdin Maine Outdoor Film Festival Screening, East Millinocket
Join us for a special MOFF screening! 7:00 p.m. at Hathaway’s (at East Branch Sno Rovers Clubhouse) during East Millinocket SummerFest! Cost: FREE! $5 donation or more to any Our Katahdin project guarantees admission. Visit www.maineoutdoorfilmfestival.com FMI

Saturday, July 11-Sunday, July 12
Ride Aroostook, Presque Isle
This two-day bicycle tour event benefits Camp Adventure, a summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes. Each day is split into two rides with full support, rest areas, first aid, and mechanical services. Contact Judy Holmquist (207-498-1112) or info@ridearoostook.org FMI

Saturday, July 11-Sunday, July 12
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 11-Sunday, July 12
1st Annual Triathlon Pohénégamook, Pohénégamook, QC
A family event, Saturday will be kids’ triathlon; Sunday will give way to adult competitions. Wide variety of disciplines available: triathlon, duathlon, aqua-bike, swimming, running. Accommodations, camping available on site! Visit www.pohenegamook.com/pspa/fr/evenements FMI

Saturday, July 11
CompetitorME Freedom Run, Presque Isle
A patriotic summer “kick off” run unlike any other, including The County’s only 10k! Registration: 7:00 a.m. at PI Middle School track. 1-mi. Kids’ Fun Run start: 8:30 a.m. 5k/10k start: 9:00 a.m. T-shirt to first 100 registrants. All finishers receive a medal! Visit www.competitorme.com FMI

Saturday, July 11
East Millinocket SummerFest 5k Walk/Run, East Millinocket
Registration: 7:00 a.m. at Opal Myrick Park. Walk start: 7:45 a.m. Run start: 8:00 a.m. Children’s Color Race start: 8:45 a.m. Cost: $10; includes t-shirt. Contact East Millinocket Town Office (207-746-3560) FMI

Saturday, July 11
1st Annual Shin Pond Fishing Derby, Mount Chase
Rules, registration forms can be obtained at Patten Town Office and local businesses. Contact Patten Park & Recreation Dept. (207-528-2902) or Patten Town Office 207-528-2215) FMI

Saturday, July 11
Easton Field Days 5k Race/Walk, Easton
Registration: 7:30 a.m. at Easton Elementary School Playground. Race start: 8:00 a.m. Cost: $15/person; all participants receive t-shirt. Ribbons awarded to top 3 finishers in each category. Proceeds benefit EHS Girls Soccer Team. Contact Rebecca Allen (207-227-0959) FMI

Saturday, July 11
12th Annual Bon Coeur Run, St. Quentin, NB
Registration: 8:30 a.m. at Mgr. Martin Elementary School, 15 Deschênes St. 1k Youth (3 to 11 years) Race start: 9:00 a.m. 2k, 5k, 10k race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact Mireille Caron (506-235-3389) or Stéphanie Thériault (506-235-1951) FMI

*Saturday, July 11
Libby Camps 125th Year Celebration Lunch, Oxbow
11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Everyone welcome to help celebrate a Traditional Maine Sporting Camp that has been in the Libby Family for 125 years! BBQ, swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, great stories about the history of the camp. Cost: $10/adult, $5/kid, FREE/5 and under. Contact Matt Libby mattandjess@libbycamps.com FMI

Sunday, July 12
Covered Bridge Run, Hartland, NB
Run the World’s Longest Covered Bridge and along the beautiful St. John River. 5k, 10k start: 8:00 a.m.; Kid’s Run start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: $20/5k, $25/10k Run, $5/Kid’s Run; t-shirt to first 150 registrants. Keynote speaker David Goodrich from Houlton at Free Pre-Race Spaghetti Supper on Saturday. Contact Stephanie Paul (506-328-9550) or paul.steph8@gmail.com FMI

Sunday, July 12
Tri Aroostook Kids, Fort Kent
USAT-sanctioned youth triathlon for ages 6-15. Athletes compete as individuals at varying distances based on age; capped at 125 athletes. Second of three youth triathlons in a series. Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

Monday, July 13-Friday, July 17
Mars Hill Kidz Klub Adventure Camp, Mars Hill
Love the outdoors, team building, games, tracking animals, camp cooking? Join Kidz Klub for a real outdoor adventure, including tenting out at the top of Mars Hill Mountain (parents required). Camp meets 3:00-4:45 p.m. daily. Open to all. Cost: $30. Visit www.facebook.com/MHKidzKlub FMI

Tuesday, July 14
Potato Blossom Festival Canoe & Kayak Fun Day, Fort Fairfield
3:00-5:00 p.m. at Frontier Fish and Game Club, Monson Pond. Some canoes and kayaks available with life vests, or bring your own. Paddlers must wear a life vest; children must be accompanied by adult. FREE Hotdog B.B.Q. to follow. Contact Garrett Martin (207-356-7781) FMI

Wednesday, July 15
From Pluto at the Speed of Light, Houlton to Presque Isle
40-mile run along Maine Solar System Model from Pluto (HOU) to Earth (PQI) to mark arrival of NASA’s mission to Pluto. Viewing party at Percy’s Auto Sales at 8:45 a.m. to cheer runners, see images from Pluto. Contact Kevin McCartney kevin.mccartney@umpi.edu or visit www.umpi.edu/pluto-to-earth FMI

Thursday, July 16
Potato Blossom Festival Baby & Bike Parade, Fort Fairfield
Bring your decorated bikes, helmets, wagons, or strollers! Registration: 6:30 p.m. at Cary Adventure Park at FFHS Athletic Complex. Bike Parade start: 7:00 p.m. at FF Elementary School entrance, Brunswick Ave. FMI: Contact Fort Fairfield Chamber (207-472-3802) FMI

Friday, July 17
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 18
2015 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. Contact Susan Gallo (207-781-2330 x216) or sgallo@maineaudubon.org FMI

Saturday, July 18
Centreville SummerFest 5k Run/Walk, Centreville, NB
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Centreville Community School. Race start: 8:30 a.m. Cost: $20. Each participant receives t-shirt; awards given in each category; refreshments served immediately following race. Contact Andrea Callahan (506-276-3671) or clerk@aernet.ca FMI

Saturday, July 18
Potato Blossom Festival 5-Miler, Fort Fairfield
Walk start: 8:30 a.m. across from Hillside IGA, Main St. Run start: 9:00 a.m. Contact Paul Lamoreau (207-764-6517) FMI

Saturday, July 18
Potato Blossom Festival Chris Clark Bike Stunt Show, Fort Fairfield
Breathtaking display of balance and agility, message about why a drug-free lifestyle is crucial for reaching potential. Shows at 4:00, 5:30, 7:00 p.m. at Acadia Medical Supply parking lot, Main St. Sponsored by Healthy You, Power of Prevention. Contact Mark Shea mshea@carymed.org FMI

Saturday, July 18
2nd Annual Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Mickey Finn Day, Weston
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Rideout’s Lodge. Youth ages 3-15 learn outdoor skills at interactive stations, participate in activities, with great prizes. Rain or shine. Cost: FREE; includes hot dog lunch Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or info@woodiewheaton.org FMI

Sunday, July 19
Potato Blossom Festival Spud Cycle Classic, Fort Fairfield
25-mile, 12-mile (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; includes t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Contact Tom Towle (207-472-3882) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI

Sunday, July 19
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

Sunday, July 19
Potato Blossom Festival Chris Clark Bike Stunt Show, Fort Fairfield
Breathtaking display of balance and agility, message about why a drug-free lifestyle is crucial for reaching potential. Shows at 3:00, 5:00, 7:00 p.m. at Acadia Medical Supply parking lot, Main St. Sponsored by Healthy You, Power of Prevention. Contact Mark Shea mshea@carymed.org FMI

Monday, July 20-Tuesday, July 28
Maine Conservation Corps Scopan Public Lands Project, Chapman
Contact MCC at least one week ahead of time. Volunteers welcome for day time and overnight participation; must be at least 14 years of age. Contact Dylan Cookson, MCC Volunteer Coordinator (207-624-6092) or dylan.cookson@maine.gov FMI

Saturday, July 25
PI 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

Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2
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, August 1
Coureur des Bois Triathlon, Edmundston, NB
Re-trace steps of French-Canadian woodsmen who ventured into the woods to trade for furs; racers carry a package from start to finish while canoeing, mountain biking, running. Contact Eric Carrier (506-740-0489) or eric.carrier@twinriverspaper.com or visit www.foirebrayonne.com/#!coureur-des-bois/chbe FMI

Saturday, August 1
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, August 1
Van Buren Class of 2018 Color the Valley 5k Run/Walk/Roll, Van Buren
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at St John Valley Health Center, 4 Main St. Cost: $30/pre-reg., $35/race day, FREE/kids 10 and under; first 100 paid registrants receive FREE shirt! Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/color-the-valley-5k-tickets-17067505368 FMI

Saturday, August 1
UMFK Summer Fun Run, Fort Kent
5k Run/Walk. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at UMFK Sports Center. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Contact Lucas Levesque (207-834-7876) or lucas.levesque@maine.edu FMI

Saturday, August 1
Island Falls Summer Fest 4k Walk/5K Run, Island Falls
Kids’ Run start: 8:45 a.m. Walk/Run start: 9:00 a.m. at Island Falls Municipal Building. 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 1
Brayons Cours Kids’ 1k, Edmundston, NB
Race start: 5:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Sports Experts, 33 Canada Rd., downtown Edmundston. For children 12 and under. Contact Daniel Violette dviolett@nbnet.nb.ca FMI

Sunday, August 2
Brayons Cours 10k, Edmundston, NB
Race start: 9:00 a.m. (Atlantic) at Palladium Arena in St. Jacques, NB. Other distances: 1k, 3k, 5k, 21.1k, 3k walk. Pre-register at www.inscriptionenligne.ca/brayons-cours. Technical t-shirt to first 200 registrations online. Light meal served after race. Contact Daniel Violette dviolett@nbnet.nb.ca FMI

*Saturday, August 8
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. All proceeds to Wounded Warrior Project. Contact MACS Trading Post (207-521-4904) FMI

*Saturday, August 8
County Open Half Marathon, Island Falls
Race start: 8:00 a.m. Meet at Island Falls Municipal Building. Contact John Walker (207-415-1688) or jswalkerinc@gmail.com FMI

Ongoing Programs:

Caribou Rec Xtreme Youth Outdoor Adventure Program, Caribou
Weekly, beginning June 19. Exciting opportunities include Allagash Canoeing, Bar Harbor Hiking, trips to Baxter State Park. Register now! Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) FMI

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Road Bike Ride, Fort Kent
Sundays; 8:00 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

Sunday Saunter Running Group, Presque Isle
Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI

Guided Bootlegger Trail Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC
Sundays; fourth Sunday/month at the end of Chemin Brissette at Pied-du-Lac (Long Lake). The Rivière-Bleue Appalachian Hiking Club invites visitors to get acquainted with The Bootlegger trails, which will connect you with exceptional nature, islands, animal, and a magical setting. Cost: Free! Contact Marielle Landry (418-893-2649) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle
Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. 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 Monday Meander, Presque Isle
Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports. Easy road bike group ride. Average speed: 14-18 mph for 22 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI

Walking Group, Caribou
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 6:00 p.m. at Downtown Mall parking lot. Open to the public; weather permitting. A good way to exercise and meet new friends. Contact Pauline or Renee (207-492-2079) evenings 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 30k to 60k! Average speed: 25-30 kmh. Contact Marc-André Martin (506 735-6292) FMI

NHSC Women’s Trail Night, Presque Isle
Tuesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge. May-June. Leaders will take you on hiking, trail running, and mountain biking adventures; beginner and intermediate groups. Equipment rentals available. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.com FMI

River Valley Runners Tuesday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB
Tuesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

Perception of Aroostook Guided Aroostook River Tour, Presque Isle
Wednesdays; 4:30 p.m. at Perception of Aroostook, 9 Caribou Rd. Paddle Washburn to Presque Isle; bird watching, lessons, relaxation! 2.5-4 hours. Shuttle Fee: $10; Kayak rental and shuttle: $35. Contact Leo Freeman (207-764-5506) FMI

NHSC Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle
Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Fort Road trailhead. 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. 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

FKOC Outdoor Fun Night, Fort Kent
Wednesdays; 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Paintball, Mountain Biking, Trail Running, Walking, Hiking, Road Biking. All ages, abilities welcome. Programming will depend on requests of participants. Come out and let us know how you would like to participate! Contact Fort Kent Outdoor Center (207-834-6203) FMI

Village of Perth-Andover Walk in the Park, Perth-Andover, NB
Wednesdays; 6:30–7:30 p.m. (Atlantic) at Perth-Andover Bandstand; weather permitting. Visit www.perth-andover.com FMI

River Valley Runners Thursday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB
Thursdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle
Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at BB&S rear entrance behind Northeastland Hotel. 25-35 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18 mph early season, 18-20 mph mid-season. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com FMI

River Valley Runners Saturday Fun Run, Woodstock, NB
Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at Woodstock Farm & Craft Market, 220 King Street. Distance: 5k. Pace: Easy. Have fun and share the joy of running! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

* = New or updated item(s).