#February is the Heart of #Winter. #SoMuchToDo #PlanAhead #AroostookThing
In this edition: 1) #NordicSkiing (and soup!) in Ashland. 2) Lots to do #outdoors (#Snowshoe #XCSki #IceFishing #RoadRace #5k) at #Moosestompers weekend in #Houlton. 3) A #WorldRecord SnowAngel attempt in #Edmundston, NB #ExploreNB. Plus lots more! #offugo…
Friday, February 5-Sunday, February 7
20th Annual Moosestompers Weekend, Houlton. Activities include: Moonlight Snowshoe Hike, Giant Sliding Hill, Family Snowman Building Contest, Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run, Cross-country Skiing, Cardboard Derby Race, Giant Bonfire, and more! Visit www.moosestompers.com FMI
Friday, February 5
Ashland Area Cross Country Ski Club Soup & Ski, Ashland. 5:00 p.m. at Mary & Randy Caron’s, 3 Hacker Farm Rd. Come out and ski or snowshoe around the Chase Farms Ski Trails then pop into Mary & Randy’s (right next door) for some homemade soup! Cost: by donation; funds raised help support grooming and club activities. Visit www.facebook.com/events/215896765421698 FMI
Friday, February 5
Military Street Baptist Church Headlamp Snowshoe Hike, Houlton. 9:00 p.m. at Military Street Baptist Church, 307 Military St. Guided snowshoe hike through the wooded trails. Come on out and enjoy nature, despite the fact that the moonlight might not be as bright! Great way to finish Friday night of the 20th Annual Moosestompers Weekend! Visit www.houltonmsbc.org FMI
Saturday, February 6-Sunday, February 7
Moosestompers Ice Fishing Derby 2016, Houlton. Prizes/awards are promised to be the biggest ever, just like your FISH! Locations: Nickerson Lake, Drew’s Lake, Cochran Lake, Mill Pond. Pre-registration: at MAC’s Trading Post and Peg’s Place convenience store. Final weigh-in: 3:00 p.m. Sunday; awards presentation to follow. Contact Chris (207-694-2180) or Ellsworth (207-551-4406) or visit www.moosestompers.com FMI
Saturday, February 6
Twin County Wheelers ATV Club Molunkus Lake Ice Fishing Derby, Molunkus Twp. 6:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Molunkus Lake. Registration: 6:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Fishing time 7:00 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Weigh in/prizes awarded at 3:30 p.m. Great food, drinks available. Contact Mollie Straub (207-619-0025) FMI
Saturday, February 6
32nd Annual Wild Katahdin Trust Snow Run, Houlton. First race in the Aroostook Musterds County Challenge Series. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Millar Arena. 2-mile walk start: 10:45 a.m. 5k run start: 11:00 a.m. Course: Pretty flat and fast (depending on weather). Cost: $12. T-shirts to first 50 registrants. Proceeds support Houlton Area Backpacks For Kids Program. Refreshments and traditional chicken stew after the event. Contact Larry Tonzi tonzimaine@gmail.com FMI
Saturday, February 6
TAMC Snowshoeing Series, Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Mantle Lake. Guided group hike. Cost: FREE! Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI
Saturday, February 6
Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Snow Angels Guinness World Record Attempt, Edmundston, NB. 2:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). The Canadian Ski Patrol will try something amazing all across Canada: beat the world record of 15,851 people simultaneously doing snow angels! Join us at Centre Plein air Mont Farlagne. Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI
Saturday, February 6
UMPI Gentile Hall 10 Year Anniversary Party, Presque Isle. 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Caroline D. Gentile Hall. Festivities include free open gym, rock wall, swimming pool, facility tours, fitness equipment orientations; healthy snacks provided. Cost: FREE; all invited to attend! Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI
Saturday, February 6
Woodstock Rec. Night Sliding Party, Woodstock, NB. 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Woodstock Golf & Curling Club, 132 St. Andrews Street. With the help of the Woodstock Fire Dept., we will be lighting up the Golf Club Hill. This special event will include a Giant Bonfire, Hotdogs, Hot Chocolate, and a Fireworks Display. Bring your family and enjoy the fun! Visit www.facebook.com/events/1927909380768293 FMI
Wednesday, February 10
Aroostook Birders Annual Slide Show and Pot Luck, Presque Isle. 7:00 p.m. at Maine Dept. of Environmental Protection, 1235 Central Drive. Birds of a feather flock together; join us for an evening of show and tell! Bring one of your very best bird photos of the year and a dish to add to our pot luck supper. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI
Friday, February 12-Sunday, February 14
Caribou Winter Carnival, Caribou. Let’s enjoy the winter season together! Tons of activities, including Kids’ Fun Day, Sled and Canoe Downhill Races (w/prizes!), Snow Sculpture Contest (cash prizes!), Ice Skating on Collins Pond, Broomball Tournament ($500 cash prize to first place!), BBQ and lots more! Everyone in the area is invited to join the fun! Some events require pre-registration! All events are FREE unless otherwise stated! Contact Caribou Rec (207-493-4224) FMI
Sunday, February 13-Wednesday, February 17
Katahdin Area Winterfest 2016 Ski and Snowshoe Tours, Millinocket. Daily guided ski or snowshoe trips on the Bait Hole and Jerry Pond Trails. Some equipment available, Cost: FREE! Contact Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce (207-723-4443) or visit www.katahdinmaine.com FMI
Saturday, February 13
Fin & Feather Club of Maine Kids’ Fishing Day, Millinocket. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Jerry Pond. The club is hosting their annual “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” as part of Winterfest 2016. Fishing equipment provided, ice holes dug, free hot dogs and guaranteed tons of fun. Visit “Fin and Feather Club of Maine” on facebook FMI
Saturday, February 13
Fort Kent Outdoor Center Free Family Fun Day, Fort Kent. 12:00-4:00 p.m. at FKOC, 33 Paradis Circle. Free trail passes, ski and snowshoe rentals, beginner ski lessons, guided ski and snowshoe tours, story walk, scavenger hunt, sledding, snacks, hot chocolate, and a bonfire with s’mores! Visit www.fortkentoc.org FMI
Saturday, February 13
NMMC/FSTA 4th Annual Rally in the Valley Winter Festival, Madawaska. Kids of all ages are invited to attend a fun outdoor snow day; skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, games, and more! Registration: 11:00 a.m. at Four Seasons Lodge. Event: 12:00-2:00 p.m. Cost: $5; includes t-shirt and water bottle. Contact Gail Lamarr (207-834-1459) or gail.lamarr@nmmc.org FMI
*Saturday, February 13
Healthy You Guided Snowshoe Hike, Limestone. 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Join us for a guided snowshoe hike through wooded trails with science educator Larry Berz. Hot cocoa will be served following the hike, Spots are limited and snowshoes must be reserved, so please register in advance. Contact Bethany Zell (207-498-1361) FMI
Saturday, February 13
Florenceville-Bristol Tourism SnowBlast, Florenceville, NB. Activities at Riverside Park, Valley Outdoor Centre, Camp Shiktehawk, Community Hall, including Youth/Adult Crazy Cardboard Classic Sled Race, XC Skiing, Woodsman Water Boiling Competition, Sliding, Human Dog Sled Race, Snowshoe Hike, Taffy on the Snow, Hay Rides, Skating, Science East, Food Court, and more! Contact Florenceville-Bristol Tourism (506-392-6763) or visit www.florencevillebristol.ca FMI
Sunday, February 14
Katahdin Communities Outing Club Cross Country Ski and Picnic, Mt. Chase. 10:00 a.m. at Matagamon Ski Trails. Meet at Baxter State Park parking lot at end of Matagamon Road, Mt. Chase. Contact KWW Recreation Managers (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI
Thursday, February 18-Sunday, February 21
Fins & Furs Adventures Maine Guide School, Presque Isle. Prepares students to confidently enter the state’s testing and licensing process. Material Covered: Hunting, Fishing and/or Recreation guide’s license exam. This course builds top notch map and compass proficiency, and equips students to react quickly and efficiently during stressful situations, such as a lost client or medical emergency. Cost: $495/person. Visit www.finsandfursadventures.com FMI
Friday, February 19
Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Snowshoe Under The Stars, Edmundston, NB. 6:30 p.m. (Atlantic time) at Mont Farlagne Ski Area. On the menu: snowshoe, party with the Paiens band, and bonfire. Cost: $25/person. Proceeds go to Canadian Cancer Society. Visit www.montfarlagne.com FMI
Saturday, February 20
Woodstock Rec. Snowshoe 3k/5k Race & Kids’ 1k, Woodstock, NB. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at AYR Motor Centre, 105 Connell Park Road. Race start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic) in Connell Park. Cost: $5/person; Kids’ 1k race is Free. Visit www.facebook.com/events/1672217796369982 FMI
Saturday, February 20
TAMC Snowshoeing Series, Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Aroostook State Park during their Take It Outside Day. Guided group hike. Rentals available at this location, $2/pair. Cost: Park entry fee. Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI
Saturday, February 20
Aroostook State Park Winter Family Fun Day, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. We have everything you need to have fun with the family, outside in Aroostook County’s winter wonderland: XC skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating (bring skates), sliding, snowmobile tote-rides, nature walks, warming hut, bonfire, hot food, Smokey the Bear, Maine Game Wardens. Equipment available. Fee: $1.50/person ages 12-64; all others FREE. Contact Aroostook State Park (207-768-8341) FMI
*Saturday, February 20
Perth-Andover Winter Carnival Family Winter Fun Day, Perth-Andover, NB. 12:30-3:30 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at Veteran’s Field. Activities: Chainsaw Carving Demonstration, Sleigh Rides, Taffy in the Snow, Science East, Human Family Foosball Tournament , Outside Skating, Bon Fire, more! Contact Perth-Andover Recreation Department (506-273-4845) FMI
Saturday, February 20
Woodstock Rec. Snowshoe Poker Rally, Woodstock, NB. 8:00 p.m. (Atlantic time) at Woodstock Golf & Curling Club, 132 St. Andrews Street. Participants snowshoe to marked locations around the golf course area. Each will collect a hand of cards on their return. By chance, the best poker hand wins! Followed by an acoustic evening featuring Ronny Michaud. Cost: $10/person. Must be 19yrs+. Visit www.facebook.com/events/219386638394381 FMI
Thursday, February 25
TAMC Ladies’ Rock Wall Climbing Night, Presque Isle. 6:00-8:00 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall Rock Wall. Ladies, come and enjoy indoor rock climbing with just other women! Participants are asked to bring sneakers, comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and enthusiasm! Cost: FREE! Sponsored by TAMC. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu FMI
*Saturday, February 27
Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Slam Jam, Edmundston, NB. Event takes place at our brand new snowpark; composed of Friendly and Competitive Rail & Jump. Everybody is invited to come join and cheer up all the riders! Lots of fun and adrenaline for all! Registration: 9:00 a.m. in the Cafeteria. Friendly Jam: 11:30 a.m. (Free). Competitive Jam: 1:30 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: FREE/Friendly Jam, $20/Competitive Jam; helmets mandatory. Contact Eric Morin ericmorin29@yahoo.ca FMI
Saturday, February 27
Limestone Ski Club C-Me-Ski – Aroostook Cup #3, Limestone. A great classic tour and race. Come out and enjoy the beauty of the wooded trails, the wildlife, and some good food! Distances: .5k/ages 12 and under; 7k/ages 13-18; 21k/adults. Registration: 12:00 p.m. at Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Youth race start: 1:00 p.m. Adult race start: 1:30 p.m. Cost: $10 (suggested donation. Contact Limestone Ski Club (207-328-7491) FMI
Sunday, February 28
41st Annual Henry Anderson Memorial Ski Dag, Caribou. 5-mile, Classical XC ski race open to all ages. This is the granddaddy of ‘em all! The longest continuously-run Nordic race in Aroostook! Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Caribou Country Club. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Caribou Parks & Recreation Department (207-493-4224) FMI
*Sunday, February 28
Nordic Heritage Sport Club Ladies’ Snowy Sunday, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-1 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Just because we are taking a year off from Aroostook Women’s Ski Day doesn’t mean we can’t get together and have some fun! Ski on your own or join a group. Bring food to share for a potluck lunch. Bring your own skis or snowshoes — we do not have access to loaner equipment. Contact Heidi heidikbartley@gmail.com or Amanda baker.amandag@gmail.com FMI
*Saturday, March 3
TAMC Snowshoeing Series, Presque Isle. 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. Guided group hike. Cost: FREE! Contact Linda Menard (207-768-4172) FMI
*Friday, March 4-Sunday, March 6
UMPI Outing Club Cabin in the Woods Weekend, Presque Isle and Kingfield. Snuggle up near the woodstove as we go winter camping in an off-the-grid cabin. We will be exploring the trails by snowshoe. This is a great introduction to winter camping and snowshoeing! No experience required. Cost: $30/UMPI student, $100/non-student; includes transportation, equipment rental (snowshoes), food, lodging. Contact Amanda Baker (207-768-9401) or amanda.g.baker@umpi.edu 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
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
TAMC Couch to 5k Program, Presque Isle. Tuesdays & Thursdays; Feb. 9-Apr. 15; 6:00 a.m. or 4:45 p.m. at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Choose the time that works best for you. Get off the couch; train your body to run or walk in one of many 5k events next summer. Participants invited to take part in UMPI Spring Runoff, Apr. 9. Cost: $40; Free w/Gentile Hall membership. Contact Sarah Caron (207-768-4169) or scaron@emhs.org or Linda Menard (207-768-4172) or lmenard@emhs.org 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
Madawaska Valley Adventure Club Meeting, Madawaska. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Contact Real Deschaine (207-728-4992) FMI
MSAD #1 Adult Ed. Fly Tying Course, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; Feb. 24-Mar. 30; 6:00-9:00 p.m. in PIHS Room 411. Learn to Tie Your Own Flies! Many anglers find it enjoyable to spend the winter months tying their flies for the next years fishing season. This is a very basic workshop that is geared toward beginners and for those that just want to brush up on their techniques. Contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed. (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI
Valley Outdoor Centre Wednesday Night Skiing, Centreville, NB. Wednesdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at VOC, 133 Upton Rd. Come on out for a night ski with a group to keep you company. Bring headlamp, stay for snacks, drinks afterwards. Cost: $2/member, $5/non-member, $3/rentals. Visit Valley Outdoor Centre at www.facebook.com/valleyoutdoor 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
MSAD #1 Adult Ed. Archery Course, Presque Isle. Thursdays; Feb. 25-Apr. 14; 6:00-8:00 p.m. in PIHS Gym. Do you want to learn how to use a bow and arrow? This class is for you! This class will cover the basics of archery, including archery safety. Ages 14+. Cost: $45. Contact MSAD #1 Adult Ed. (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI
Mont Farlagne Outdoor Centre Ice Wall, Edmundston, NB. Saturdays; 1:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Sundays; 1:00-5:00 p.m. (All times Atlantic). Our ice wall is open for the season! First come, first served basis. Cost: $25/hour; $15/equipment rental; $65/2 hours (includes equipment). It will also be possible to buy ice wall climbing equipment at our pro shop in the upcoming weeks. See you on the wall! Visit www.montfarlagne.com 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).