#August in #Aroostook: Cool nights, daytime temps perfect for #OutdoorEvents #GoodSleepingWeather #AroostookThing
In this edition: 1) A #5k memorial #XCrun in #Houlton. 2) A #halfmarathon in #IslandFalls. 3) #Bike and #hike with #wildlife in #Limestone. Plus lots more! #offugo…
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
Saturday, August 8
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Hike and Bike, Limestone
Trails open 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Lisa Fishman from Cooperative Extension will present a program on healthy, portable foods and snacks from 10:00 a.m.-Noon in the Visitors’ Venter. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634) or president@friendsofaroostooknwr.org 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
*Friday, August 14
Festival of Flavour Chalk the Walk, Florenceville-Bristol, NB
3:00-8:00 p.m. (Atlantic). All ages invited to participate in a public art project to create sidewalk art (for fun or to compete,) rain or shine! Artisans, food vendors will line riverside boardwalk with handcrafted wares, tasty treats, live music, performances. Contact McCain Art Gallery (506-392-6769) or info@mccainartgallery.com FMI
*Friday, August 14-Sunday, August 16
Falls Brook Centre 7th Annual Free School, Glassville, NB
Join us for participant-led workshops on renewable energy installations, permaculture, story-telling circles, everything in between! This year’s themes are Resilience and Wellness. Come out and celebrate with live music, art, local food and community. Camp on-site or just drop by for an afternoon. Contact Falls Brook Centre (506-246-1114) FMI
*Saturday, August 15
Washburn August Festival 3k, Washburn
Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Washburn District Elementary School. Race start: 8:30 a.m. Cost: $8. T-shirt to first 30 registrants. Contact Ron Ericson (207-455-8081) 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
Mars Hill Mountain Challenge Kids’ Fun Run, Mars Hill
1k scaled-down version of the Mars Hill Mountain Challenge for ages 5 to 14 that’s all about having fun; expect uphill/downhill running, dirt, mud, obstacles, snowguns, and more. Start time: approximately 4:00 p.m. Cost: $20. 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
Saturday, August 15
Portage Lake Historical Society Canoe Carry, Portage Lake
6:30 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 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
Caribou Community and Alumni XC Race, Caribou
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. Race start: 7:45 p.m. Contact Roy Alden (207-498-3563) or ralden@rsu39.org 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 to Sunday, August 23
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Allagash Trip, Caribou
One-night/two-day paddling trip; learn the basic skills associated with canoe tripping. Camping at Allagash Falls; bring your steel leader and favorite Muskie lures. Fee: $75; includes gear, transportation, meals. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.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
Saturday, August 29
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Kayak Trip, Caribou
Portage Lake is a most unique ecosystem, best explored on the water; see floating islands, wide variety of water and shore birds. Cost: $30; includes transportation, paddle gear, binoculars sit-down lunch at Dean’s. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.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
Tuesday, September 1
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Grand Falls Gorge/St. John River Tour, Caribou
Guided hike around Grand Falls, NB gorge; 4-hour pontoon boat cruise of the waters above the dam. Fee: $50; includes transportation, lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Sunday, September 6
Half Marathon Festival, Saint-François, NB
Registration: 8:00 a.m. Race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: $35/half marathon, $25/8k, $6/3k before 8/29, 1k/FREE; $45/half marathon, $35/8k, $10/3k race day; includes chicken BBQ. First 100 half marathon and 8k registrants receive a Sports Experts jersey. Contact Gaétane Duval (506-992-2780) FMI
Monday, September 7
Viking Run, Caribou
Kids’ running races on the CHS 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
Monday, September 7
Caribou Labor Day Road Race, Caribou
5k walk start: 10:30 a.m. 8k run start: 11:00 a.m. Meet at Caribou High School Ski Building. Contact Chris Smith (207-768-4972) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI
*Friday, September 11-Sunday, September 13
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Allagash Exploration, Caribou
Two night stay at Maccanamac Camps; canoe Chase Rapids, tour Churchill Dam Museum, hike to historic Chamberlain Lake trains. Participants must be in excellent shape. Cost: $150; includes gear, transportation, meals. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
*Saturday, September 12
Katahdin Woods & Waters Stars Over Katahdin Wilderness Stargazing, Patten
With some of the starriest skies east of the Mississippi, there are few better places to view the night sky. Guided hiking, biking, stargazing with experienced astronomers. Great for families; reservations recommended. Contact Mark Adams (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI
*Sunday, September 13
Redy…Set…Let’s Go! Youth Triathlon, Presque Isle
1-mile course with various obstacles is perfect for beginners, more experienced competitors ages 7-14, and will be held at the UMPI campus. Fee: $15; includes finisher’s medal, bandana, take home canvas bag full of locally grown produce. Pre-registration required. Visit www.redyyouthtriathlon.org 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).
