Aroostook Outdoor News: 7.23.15 edition

#SayItAintSo: The #NorthernMaineFair starts now. Is #summer really over?

In this edition: 1) A walking tour of historic downtown Presque Isle. 2) #NordicTrailFestival in #PresqueIsle. 3) #5k #RoadRaces #NextWeekend in Woodstock, NB, #FortKent, #VanBuren and #IslandFalls. Plus lots more! #offugo…

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

Saturday, August 8
Portage Lake Family Chub Tournament, Portage Lake
A fishing tournament to catch the most “trash fish.” No trout, salmon, frozen fish allowed. Registration: 7:00 a.m. at Duchette’s dock, 85 Hayward St. Derby: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Cost: $5; all reg. fees paid out in prizes; 1st: 50% of entry fees, 2nd: 30%, 3rd: 20%. Contact Larry Duchette (207-435-4361) FMI

*Sunday, August 9-Friday, August 14
Camp Living Waters Junior Survivor Camp, Weston
Excellent trip on Baskahegan River for first-timers (ages 10-12) to learn aspects of river travel, skill-building, friendly tribal competitions; a week of non-stop wilderness fun! Every evening the Bible comes alive with devotions presented by a special guest speaker. Cost: $335. Visit www.lwcamp.com FMI

Wednesday, August 12 and Saturday, August 22
Houlton/Hodgdon Adult Ed. Firearms Hunter Safety Course, Houlton
Maine DIF&W Hunter Education: more than gun safety. Taught by trained, certified instructors; students receive course handbook, outdoor survival info, more. Course includes lectures and demonstrations, field experiences, and written exam. Contact Houlton/Hodgdon Adult Ed. (207-521-3100, x5) FMI

Saturday, August 15
Mars Hill Mountain Challenge, Mars Hill
10:00 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+. Cost: $65. Contact Ryan Guerrette (207-227-8165) or ryanguerrette@bigrockmaine.com FMI

Saturday, August 15
6th Annual Crossing of Lake Pohénégamook Swim Race, Pohénégamook, QC
This event attracts many renowned swimmers. 2k, 8.5k distances. 2k race start: 12:00 p.m. at Municipal Beach Pohénégamook, 50 Tête-du-Lac Street. 8.5k race start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Eastern). Cost: FREE! Contact Dany Plourde (418-859-2222 ext 105) or visit www.pohenegamook.net/tourisme FMI

Sunday, August 16
25th Annual Tour de la Vallee, Fort Kent
Ride, walk, or run on a grand tour of the St. John Valley. Bike 25, 50, 62, or 100 miles, or walk/run 3, 5, or 10 miles. Fully supported; rest stops, medical, mechanical. Cost: $30/individual, $60/family. Supports local cancer patients and families. Visit www.nmmc.org/biketour FMI

Sunday, August 16
Butte du Bonhomme Blanchet Hiking Trip, Rivière-Bleue, QC
1:30 p.m. at Les Chevaliers des Frontières Snowmobile Club, Saint-Elzéar Road. 1k path leads to viewpoint oriented towards Border Route; 240 degree panorama, view of the state of Maine in backdrop. Contact Marielle Landry Telephone (418-893-2649) FMI

*Friday, August 21
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Seminar: Trout, Some Greens, and a Charge of Beans; Another Evening in Rhyme!, Forest City
7:30 p.m. at WWLT Center. A lively evening of unpublished verse with a distinctly local flavor, long hidden in dusty attics and old shoe boxes, again shows how folks in other times loved and laughed like us. This was a hit in 2013! Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or info@woodiewheaton.org FMI

*Saturday, August 22
Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Baskahegan Stream Canoe Trip, Forest City
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Join Maine Guide Homer Clough as we paddle flatwater sections of Baskahegan Stream. Bring your kayak, canoe, or use one of our traditional wood/canvas canoes from the Upham Collection. Bring lunch. Cost: $10/adult; $5/child. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or info@woodiewheaton.org FMI

Saturday, August 22
Baxter Outdoors/Katahdin Woods & Waters Wild Maine Weekend 10k, Shin Pond
Registration: 8:30 a.m. at Matagamon Gatehouse. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Cost: $25. Course weaves through pristine KWW Recreation Area, hugging Penobscot East Branch; mostly dirt logging roads. Evening fun, food, entertainment at Shin Pond Village following race. Visit www.baxteroutdoors.com FMI

Saturday, August 22
UMPI/Wintergreen Arts Center Color Presque Isle 5k, Presque Isle
The run drops colored powder on runners throughout the course; dress in white and let us supply the color! Race start: 9:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Cost: $30/before 8/1; $40/after 7/31; free/under 10. Contact Wintergreen Arts Center (207-762-3576) or visit www.umpi.edu/colorpresqueisle5k FMI

Saturday, August 22
Guided Walking Tour of Historic Downtown, Presque Isle
10:00 a.m.-Noon. Led by Presque Isle Historical Society, this guided two-hour, two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third Street. Cost: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Tour cancelled in inclement weather. Contact PIHS (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

*Sunday, August 30
Maine Running Festival, Presque Isle
Runners in all distances start together: 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run, 5k, 10k, Harvest Half Marathon. Races fully supported; water stops, chip timing, child-friendly activities while adults run. Beer garden, live music at finish! Participants receive event shirt, finishers receive a medal. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI

Ongoing Programs:

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).