Aroostook Outdoor News: 5.19.16 edition

Monday snow. Weekend sun. A good trade off? #FickleWeather #AroostookProblems

In this edition: 1) #5k runs in Woodstock #NewBrunswick (two of ‘em!), #Houlton, and #PresqueIsle. 2) A #Birding trip to #Portage Lake. 3) Celebrate the #forest way of life at festivals in Patten and Ashland. Plus lots more! #AroostookThing #offugo…

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Saturday, May 21

Woodstock Rec Spring Run-Off 5k, Woodstock, NB. Registration 8:00 a.m. at Woodstock Farm Market, 220 King St. Race start: 9:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Small Strides, Healthy Lives 500m/1k Kids’ Race; for youths 14 and under. We encourage everyone to come out to run or walk. Cost: $10, Kids’ races: FREE!  Prizes and refreshments at the finish line. Contact Woodstock Rec (506-325-4307) or jill.dunnett@town.woodstock.nb.ca FMI

 

Saturday, May 21

Hodgdon High School My School Color Run FUNdraiser, Houlton. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Houlton Rec. Center. Run start: 9:00 a.m. This is an untimed fun run. Runners pass through several color stations throughout the course and end with a color toss. Cost: $35/before May 13, $45/after May 12. Contact Anita Levesque (207-694-0314) or anitalevesque@msad70.org or visit www.HodgdonColorRun.eventbrite.com FMI

 

Saturday, May 21

CompetitorME Run For Heroes, Presque Isle. 8:00 a.m. at County Physical Therapy, 5 North Street. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run and 5k Run/Walk to support current and past U.S. service members. All proceeds to Northern Maine Veterans Cemetery. Veterans encouraged to wear camouflage as a symbol of their service. Fee: $5/Kids’ Fun Run, $25/5k. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI

 

*Saturday, May 21

3rd Annual Woodstock High School Rainbow Fun Run and Family Carnival, Woodstock, NB. 5k Rainbow Run/Walk, Kids’ Rainbow Run, fun children’s games, barbecue. Registration: 9:00 a.m. Run start: 10:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Cost: $10/adult, $5/youth 6-12, FREE/youth 5 & under. Proceeds benefit Relay For Life. Contact Woodstock High School (506-325-4437) FMI

 

Saturday, May 21

Caribou Rec/Healthy You Birding Trip, Portage. The lake’s Floating Islands are home to a variety of water and shore birds, best viewed from kayaks. Departure: 9:00 a.m. Cost: free; includes transportation, kayak and gear, binoculars. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Saturday, May 21

Ashland Logging Museum Spring Games, Ashland. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Ashland Trotting Park. Come see what logging equipment is all about! Competitions include: Skidder Obstacle Course, Log Loader Checkerboard, Forwarder Event, Log Load Tie Down; logging equipment displays; kids’ activities. Fee: $7/13 years and up, FREE/12 and under. Hot dogs, French lunch available. Contact Amanda Barker (207-435-4870) or search “Ashland Logging Museum” on Facebook FMI

 

Saturday, May 21

Katahdin Woods & Waters Rec. Area Fiddlers and Fiddlehead Fest, Patten. 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Patten Lumbermen’s Museum. Fiddlers will fiddle while fierce fiddlehead cooks compete in the Cast-iron Chef cook-off. Artisans, craftsmen, demonstrations, food vendors, tours, and much more! Giant slingshot, scavenger hunt, and games will keep the kids happy! Rain or shine; bring your own chair. Cost: donation. Visit www.lumbermensmuseum.org FMI

 

*Saturday, May 21

Kidabaloo 2016, Presque Isle. 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at The Forum, 84 Mechanic Street. Children’s singer/songwriter Rick Charette in concert. Other activities: Climbing Wall, Bike Rodeo, Face Painting, Seed Planting Station, Laser Tag, Bounce Houses, and more! Cost: $10/person, FREE/Kids 2 and under, $35/Family 4-Pack. Visit www.kidabaloo.com/presque-isle FMI

 

Saturday, May 21

Life By Design Pathway to Recovery Walk, Presque Isle. 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Park. There are many paths individuals in recovery, people seeking recovery, families take to address substance use disorders. Taking the first step can lead to healthier individuals, families, communities. Please join us to celebrate those on the road to recovery and remember those who we have lost. Contact Kelley Johnston (207-764-6825) or visit www.facebook.com/events/826092787497203 FMI

 

Sunday, May 22

36th Annual Madawaska River Run, Stockholm. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Little Madawaska Lake Road bridge in Westmanland. Race start: 11:00 a.m. Race ends at Stockholm American Legion. Cost: $15/craft; includes 1 t-shirt. Additional t-shirts available for $12. Contact Perkins-Plourde American Legion Post 136 (207-896-3161) FMI

 

Sunday, May 22

Meduxnekeag River Association Wildflower Walk, Woodstock, NB. Our popular annual Wildflower Walk will meet at Bell Forest, 200 Bell Settlement Rd, Belleville at 1:30 p.m. (Atlantic Time). Allow at least two hours. Contact Meduxnekeag River Association (506-328-8227) or meduxnekeag@nb.aibn.com or visit www.meduxnekeag.org FMI

 

Monday, May 23

Meduxnekeag River Association Canoe Float, Woodstock, NB. This year’s slow canoe float down the Meduxnekeag River is planned for Victoria Day, weather permitting. Contact Meduxnekeag River Association (506-328-8227) or meduxnekeag@nb.aibn.com or visit www.meduxnekeag.org FMI

 

Tuesday, May 24

Caribou Rec/Healthy You Grimes Road Birding Trip, Caribou. Meet at Caribou Wellness Center at 6:30 a.m. Bird watching at the Caribou Waste Water treatment ponds with Bill Sheehan. Open to all ages. Rain or shine. Cost: FREE! Includes free bird call. Limited binoculars, bird books available. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Thursday, May 26

Pregnancy Care Center of Aroostook Walk 4 Life, Fort Kent, Presque Isle, Houlton. 2-mile walk to benefit PCC of Aroostook; rain or shine. Pledge sheets available at PCC offices. Registration: 6:30 p.m. at Fort Kent PCC, 272 W. Main St.; Northeastland Hotel, 436 Main St., Presque Isle; Houlton PCC, 56 Military St. Walk start: 7:00 p.m. Visit www.pcc-hope.org FMI

 

*Saturday, May 28

The County Walk Towards A Cure, Island Falls. 8:45 a.m. at Island Falls Municipal Building. In Honor of 13-year old Zachary Bearor, who is battling brain cancer; also in loving memory of Kelly Greene. Contact Ruth Frazier (207-463-2263) or ifrec@fairpoint.net FMI

 

*Saturday, May 28

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, May 28 and Sunday, May 29

Falls Brook Centre Basic Bushcraft and Wilderness Survival Workshop, Glassville, NB. Participants will learn modern, traditional survival skills to keep them comfortable in the bush, including: survival planning, assembling a survival kit, knife use, bush knots and lashings, all-weather fire lighting, shelter building, how to get found, basic principles of visibility, hydration, basic bush first aid. Cost: $300; includes all meals. Contact Falls Brook Centre admin@fallsbrookcentre.ca FMI

 

Sunday, May 29

13th Annual Alzheimer Society of NB Walk for Memories, Edmundston, NB. Join families and friends across New Brunswick and walk with a purpose! Registration: Noon at La Place de L’Artisan. Walk start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact Alzheimer Society of NB (800-664-8411) or info@alzheimernb.ca FMI

 

Sunday, May 29

13th Annual Alzheimer Society of NB Walk for Memories, Woodstock, NB. Join families and friends across New Brunswick and walk with a purpose! Registration: Noon at Riverside Court, 870 Main St. Walk start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Contact Alzheimer Society of NB (800-664-8411) or info@alzheimernb.ca FMI

 

Monday, May 30

Wilderness Walk for Warriors Memorial Day 5k Run/Walk, Houlton. Proceeds to assist veterans, service members, and their families, as well as honor our fallen Maine heroes. Registration: 10:00 a.m. on Kelleran St. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run start: 11:30 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 12:00 p.m. Cost: $5/Kids’ Fun Run; $30/5k Run/Walk before May 23, $40 after May 22; includes tech t-shirt, BBQ for participants, veterans, service members. Visit www.competitorme.com FMI

 

*Wednesday, June 1

St. John Valley Senior College Four Corners Park Tour, Fort Kent. For adults age 50 and over. Travel to Madawaska for a guided tour of the park; learn about the 4-Corners, “X” Tours, visit the CMA Acadian section. Carpools depart UMFK Sports Center at 1:15 p.m.; return at 4:00 p.m. Pre-registration required at least two weeks prior to class date. Cost: $15/person; includes free tuition to all classes for the term. Contact MSAD #27 Continuing Education (207-834-3536) FMI

 

*Thursday, June 2

Gathering of the Scots Festival Scottish Athletics Skills Workshop, Perth-Andover, NB. 5:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at Festival Grounds, Perth Ballfield. Open to all! Try stone toss, hammer throw, weight for height, caber toss. Supervised by professional instructors. “Com’on, dunna’ be a-frade…come and be Scottish for the weekend!” Visit www.gatheringofthescots.com FMI

 

*Friday, June 3

St. John Valley Senior College Deboullie Mountain Trip Preview, Fort Kent. 4:00 p.m. at Fort Kent Senior Center. Adults age 50 and over; attend this information session to learn about and reserve your place on the Deboullie Mountain trip to take place in the fall. Contact MSAD #27 Continuing Education (207-834-3536) FMI

 

*Saturday, June 4

Aroostook Birders Bird Walk, Presque Isle. 7:00-10:00 a.m. at Aroostook State Park. Warblers should be in abundance; we will split into groups, searching for returning migrants in various park habitats. Cost: $3/ages 12-64, $1/ages 5-11 (park entrance fees). Visit www.aroostookbirders.com FMI

 

*Saturday, June 4

Gathering of the Scots Festival, Perth-Andover, NB. Activities include: birds of prey flight demonstrations, fly casting competition, fly tying workshop, traditional Highland games, and more! 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at Festival Grounds, Perth Ballfield. Open to all! Visit www.gatheringofthescots.com FMI

 

Sunday June 5

Gathering of the Scots Festival Kilted Warrior 5k Fun Run, Perth-Andover, NB. Participants highly encouraged to run in a kilt or highland costume! Registration: 10:00-10:45 a.m. at Veteran’s Field, Perth. Kids’ Fun Run start: 10:00 a.m. 5k Run/Walk start: 11:00 a.m. Cost: $25/pre-reg., includes t-shirt; $30/race day, no t-shirt; $20/students (ages 12-20). Contact Carol McLaughlin (506-273-2053) or carollet@nb.sympatico.ca FMI

 

Sunday, June 5

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada Gutsy Walk, Grand Falls, NB. Registration: 12:00 p.m. at The Marina. Walk start: 1:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Distance: 2k or 5k. Fun-filled event to raise awareness, proceeds to stop Crohn’s and colitis for life! Music, warm-up, kids’ face painting, Kids’ Zone play area. Visit www.crohnsandcolitiscanada.akaraisin.com/Pledge/Event/GroupHome.aspx?seid=11470&mid=82&sgid=1553 FMI

 

Sunday, June 5

Community in Motion Walk to Fight Arthritis, Hartland, NB. Registration Open: 1:00 p.m. at Hartland Covered Bridge, 365 Main Street. Walk start: 2:00 p.m. (all times Atlantic). Route Options: 1k or 5k. The Walk to Fight Arthritis stretches across Canada to unite families, friends, organizations to achieve one common goal: to help the over 4.6 million Canadians who live with arthritis every day. Contact Renee Crouse (506.375.4017) or reneecrouse@hotmail.com FMI

 

*Tuesday, June 7

St. John Valley Senior College Caribou Weather Station Tour, Fort Kent. For adults age 50 and over. See the inner workings at the weather station and view the launch of the daily weather balloon. Carpools depart UMFK Sports Center at 4:00 p.m.; return at 8:00 p.m. Pre-registration required at least two weeks prior to class date. Cost: $15/person; includes free tuition to all classes for the term. Contact MSAD #27 Continuing Education (207-834-3536) FMI

 

*Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9

MSAD 1 Adult Ed. GPS & Geocaching Course, Presque Isle. An introductory class that will provide you with the basics to using a GPS navigational system. Join in on the fun as we test our skills with coordinates by finding hidden clues at our destination! 6:00-8:00 p.m. at PIHS Room 411. Cost: $15. Contact LeRae Kinney (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org FMI

 

*Friday, June 10

PI Historical Society Guided Historic Fairmount Cemetery Tour, Presque Isle. Meet at 5:30 p.m. at Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, 3 Houlton Road. 1.5-hour guided walking tour; discuss origins, Victorian influences, 30 local historic figures. Many hills on tour. Cost: $5; reservations required. Contact Kimberly Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

 

*Saturday, June 11

Aroostook Birders Paddle Trip, Hodgdon. Meet at Libby’s Dairy Bar at 8:00 a.m. Please join us for a leisurely paddle along the Hodgdon Deadwater, located in Gordon Manuel Wildlife Management Area, summer home to a number of species of waterfowl. There is an established pair of Bald Eagles whose nest can be seen from the water. We hope there will be eaglets to view this trip! Bring your canoe or kayak, drinking water, bug spray and sunscreen! Visit www.aroostookbirders.com FMI

 

*Saturday, June 18

3rd Annual Greater Grand Isle Canoe/Kayak Race, Grand Isle. Flat water. 10 mi.; Madawaska to Grand Isle. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Madawaska boat landing, next to Central Building Supply. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Beautiful scenic race along US/Canada border; finishes at Grand Isle boat landing. Pre-reg. available at Grand Isle General Store. Cost: $15/adult, $7/youth under 18, $25/family boat of 4+; first 100 registrants receive a t-shirt. Contact Grand Isle General Store (207-895-3311) FMI

 

*Saturday, June 18

Rally in the Valley Mountain Bike Festival, Fort Kent. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Fort Kent Outdoor Center. Event: 10:00 a.m.-Noon. For grades PK-8; all kids can be successful in events where everyone has a chance to shine. The purpose of the day is for kids to enjoy biking while becoming skilled in other facets of the sport. Cost: $5; includes free prize and snacks, all participants present eligible to win new mountain bike! Contact Joanne Fortin (207-834-1353) or j.fortin@nmmc.org FMI

 

*Sunday, June 19

SW Collins Co. 5k Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run, Caribou. Aroostook Musterds Challenge Series Race #3. Registration: 8:30 a.m. at SW Collins, Washburn Street. Start times: Kids’ Fun Run start: 9:00 a.m. Walk start: 9:45 a.m. Run start: 10:00 a.m. First 75 registrants receive t-shirt. Contact Leslie Jackson (207-496-6723) or lesliej@swcollins.com FMI

 

*Saturday, June 25

St. John Valley Senior College Mountain Springs Trout Farm Tour, Fort Kent. For adults age 50 and over. Travel to Frenchville to tour the fish farm; question and answer period. This is just a tour; NO fishing. Carpools depart UMFK Sports Center parking at 9:00 a.m. Pre-registration required at least two weeks prior to class date. Cost: $15/person; includes free tuition to all classes for the term. Contact MSAD #27 Continuing Education (207-834-3536) FMI

 

Ongoing Programs:

 

C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure Program Open Registration, Caribou. Weekdays. Exciting outdoor activities for youth entering grades 5-11. June 17-19: Allagash. June 20-24: Kayaking I. June 29-July 2: Backpack Baxter. July 11-14: Kayaking II. July 18-21: Mountain Biking. July 26-28; Baxter State Park I. August 2-4: Baxter II. Cost/age: varies by program. Open to all area youth. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

*Fort Kent Outdoor Center Road Bike Ride, Fort Kent. Sundays; 9:00 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

 

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

 

*Rivière-Bleue Appalachian Hiking Club Guided Bootlegger Trail Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Fourth Sunday of each month at the end of Chemin Brissette at Pied-du-Lac (Long Lake). Visitors are invited to get acquainted with The Bootlegger trails, which will connect you with exceptional nature, islands, animals, and a magical setting. Cost: Free! Contact Marie-Jo Cormier (418-893-2859) or marie-jo.cormier@riviere-bleue.ca FMI

 

*Little Musterds Running Camp, Houlton. Mondays & Wednesdays; 4:30-5:15 p.m. at Houlton Rec. June 13-29. For youth in grades 4-8, this 3-week camp will give your child support and encouragement to run their first race; culminates with participation in Miracle Mile Run, July 2. Cost: $25/Houlton resident, $38/non-resident. Contact Houlton Recreation Department (207-532-1310) FMI

 

River Valley Runners Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Mondays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library. Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb 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

 

LP Fisher Library Walking Club, Woodstock, NB. Tuesdays; 12:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). A nice 30 minute (2.8k) jaunt, followed by 20 minutes of stretching led by our resident yoga teacher. All abilities, ages welcome (parents, bring your kids in strollers!). Stretches can be done on the floor with our mats or on chairs. Cost: Free! No sign up necessary. Rain or shine (unless it’s really, really bad!). Get out this spring and get moving! Contact LP Fisher Library (506-325-4777) or lpfisher.library@gnb.ca 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 35k to 50k for intermediate to advanced riders. Average speed: 25-30 kmh. Contact Marc-André Martin (506 735-6292) 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

 

Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Meeting, Presque Isle. Last Tuesday of each month; 5:30 p.m. at PIFG clubhouse, Parsons Road. Established in 1947 to help protect, conserve, maintain and restore our natural resources as well as to protect and promote our outdoor heritage. Meetings include a delicious supper, cash bar, short business meeting. Visit www.pifg.org FMI

 

Four Seasons 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

 

Fort Fairfield Frontier Fish and Game Club, Fort Fairfield. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (fourth Wednesdays during summer); 6:00 p.m. at FFFFG clubhouse on Monson Pond, 550 Dorsey Rd. Founded in 1958 to help conserve, protect, maintain, and restore our natural resources and to promote our outdoor heritage. Visit www.heyevent.com/venue/bmyulgbaawlhca FMI

 

River Valley Runners Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Thursdays; 7:00 p.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library. Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

 

River Valley Runners Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library. Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

 

* = New or updated item(s).