Who’s ready for #Springtime #outdoors? #Snow, you were #noncommittal. We’re breaking up with you. #GoAwayWinter.
In this edition: 1) A youth #Alpine #ski #race in #FortKent. 2) #XCSkiing for adults in #Caribou. 3) An #art #walk with a #5k focus in #PresqueIsle. Plus lots more! #offugo…
Saturday, March 26
Lonesome Pine Trails Ski Invitational Race, Fort Kent. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Lonesome Pine Trails, Forest Avenue. Slalom and Giant Slalom downhill youth races. Contact Lonesome Pine Trails (207-834-5202) or info@lonesomepines.org or visit www.lonesomepines.org FMI
Monday, March 28
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult XC Ski Adventure, Caribou. The Caribou Ski Trails at Caribou County Club boast a wilderness experience right in our backyard; rabbits and song birds make these trails a unique Aroostook County experience. Trip includes a hot bowl of chowder and finger sandwiches on the trail. Depart Caribou Rec: 10:00 a.m. Return: 3:00 p.m. Fee: $20; includes equipment, transportation. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Monday, March 28-Saturday, April 2
MWSC Parc de la Gaspesie Ski Tour, Caribou. Ski along a backcountry hut system that offers the chance for incredible touring and downhill excitement. While enjoying this impressive wilderness you will sharpen your skills for winter backcountry ski travel, and gain plenty of tips and tricks to enjoy the experience. Fee: $575; includes instruction, transportation, food, lodging, group camping equipment. Contact Mike Smith (207-227-0250) or mikes@mainewsc.org FMI
Friday, April 1
First Friday Art Walk, Presque Isle. 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wintergreen Arts Center, 149 State St. Images by local photographers of the first three Color PI 5K races will be displayed. Public is invited to bring race photos to be judged for a chance to win free registration for the 2016 race, to be held Aug. 27. Early race registration will also open that night. Cost of race registration: $30; free t-shirt to first 250 registrants. Contact Wintergreen Arts Center (207-762-3576) FMI
Monday, April 4
Sportsmen’s Inc. Fundraiser Dinner & April Monthly Meeting, Stockholm. 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Sportsmen’s Inc. Clubhouse. Proceeds benefit the Christie family to help with medical expenses for son Andrew, recently diagnosed with a tumor. Following dinner, ME DIF&W Wildlife Biologist will speak about Northern Maine deer herd. Cost: $10, $5/age 12 and under. Public is welcome, encouraged to attend. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-492-1180) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
Saturday, April 9
36th Annual UMPI Spring Runoff 5k Road Race, Presque Isle. Race #2 in the County Challenge Series. Fundraiser for UMPI Cross Country running programs. Run as an individual or 3-person relay team. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Wieden Gym. Walk start: 9:30 a.m. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Pizza and Pepsi will be served after the race! Cost: $15/individual, $25/relay team. Contact Chris Smith (207-768-9472) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI
Saturday, April 9-Sunday, April 10
Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Sportsman’s Show, Presque Isle. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. each day at UMPI’s Gentile Hall. Kids’ Trout Fishing Pond sponsored by L.L. Bean, Air Gun Shooting Range, Laser Shot Rifle/Pistol Range, Video Hunting Game, Moose Calling Contest, hourly kids’ door prizes! 75+ exhibitors from Maine, New Brunswick, Labrador, Quebec, New England. Fee: $5/person, FREE/kids 10 and under. Visit Presque Isle Fish and Game Club www.PIFG.org FMI
Tuesday, April 12
Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Deer Yard/Greenhouse Tour, Caribou. Travel with Wildlife Biologist Rich Hoppe to learn what it takes to manage deer. Visit a greenhouse to learn about gardening; design and plant your own outdoor flower pot. Depart Caribou Rec: 8:30 a.m. Return: 4:00 p.m. Fee: $30; includes lunch, flower pot, transportation. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI
*Monday, April 18-Friday, April 22
Lugdon Lodge Spring Fever Adventure Camp, Eagle Lake. A week filled with archery, acting and outdoor activity at Lugdon Lodge, 1695 Sly Brook Rd., Eagle Lake. Children’s Stage Adventures and Archery Addictions will be here to help us welcome spring! Campers will audition, rehearse, perform The Sword Called Excalibur and have access to a trailer full of bows, arrows, targets and coaching in the fine art of archery. Contact Lugdon Lodge (207-444-4557) FMI
*Thursday, April 21
Fort Fairfield Public Library Kids’ Introduction to Mammal Tracking, Fort Fairfield. 1:00 p.m. at Fort Fairfield Public Library, 339 Main St. Spring is here and animals are on the move! Make the most of mud season with a fun look at tracking mammals. Explore different clues to help identify animal signs, learn how to draw tracks, and more! This program is suited for ages 6-14. Contact Fort Fairfield Public Library (207-472-3880) FMI
*Saturday, April 23
Aroostook Birders Waterfowl Walk, Fort Fairfield. 8:00-11:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Rain or shine. Join us for a leisurely morning spent birding along the Aroostook River and other popular area sites for waterfowl and early spring arrivals. Non-strenuous series of short drives; a great way to discover some excellent birding spots. Contact Bill Sheehan (207-227-7301) or bill.j.sheehan@gmail.com FMI
*Saturday, April 23
Presque Isle Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle. 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
*Saturday, April 30
Aroostook Autism Support Group Autism Challenge, Presque Isle. Registration: 8:15 a.m. at Presque Isle Middle School. 1-mile Kids’ Fun Run start: 9:30 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Fully supported race with awards. Fee: $5/Kids’ Fun Run entries, $25/person; t-shirt to first 100 5k athletes and first 25 Kids’ Fun Runners. Proceeds benefit Aroostook Autism Support Group. Contact Jonathan Kelley competitorme@gmail.com FMI
*Saturday, April 30
Ann King Cary Donor Dash 5k, Caribou. Annual Walk/Run for Organ and Tissue Awareness. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Griffeth Ford. Walk start: 9:00 a.m. Run start: 9:30 a.m. First 100 registrants get a t-shirt; refreshments at Cary following the event. Contact Dean Cote (207-498-1282) FMI
*Sunday, May 1
5th Annual Knights of Columbus Polar Dip for Special Olympics, Sinclair. Registration: 11:00 a.m. at Long Lake Sporting Club. Polar Dip: 12:00 p.m. Open to all; must raise at least $1. T-shirt for $50 or more in pledges; highest total wins $100 Sporting Club gift cert. “Chicken Pool” available for those who do not wish to jump into the lake. Contact Duane Belanger (207-951-2874) or dssmaine@roadrunner.com or visit www.FreezeItforSpecialOlympics.com 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
Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Meeting, Limestone. 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
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
Four Seasons Trail Association Snowshoe Hike, Madawaska. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 1:00 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge. Group snowshoeing/walking on trails. Bring lunch. Contact FSTA (207-728-7047) 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
Nordic Heritage Sport Club/TAMC Youth Ski Program, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center. February 27-March 26. UMPI Ski Team coaches will combine instruction and technique training with obstacle courses and games on skis. For children 6- 14 years of age. Contact Joey Bard joey.bard@maine.edu 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
* = New or updated item(s).
