Aroostook Outdoor News: 7.14.16 edition

Potato Blossom Festival is in full swing! Get to Fort Fairfield for #spuds #bikes #runs #boats and more!

In this edition: #FortFairfield takes center stage: 1) A #BikeRodeo and classic #cycling race. 2) A #5mile #RoadRace. 3) A fun #paddle and float in the #AroostookRiver. Plus lots more! #AroostookThing #offugo…

ACT MapFriday, July 15

Potato Blossom Festival Bike Rodeo, Fort Fairfield. 9:00 a.m. at CP Station Park. For kids ages 12 and under. Bring your bike and join in the fun! Visit www.fortfairfield.org FMI

 

Saturday, July 16-Sunday, July 17

Maine State Parks and Lands Loon Plate Weekend, Statewide. All vehicles bearing Maine Loon Conservation license plates are allowed free entrance to Maine state parks and historic sites; does not apply to Baxter State Park and some other facilities. Contact Aroostook State Park (207-768-8341) FMI

 

Saturday, July 16

2016 Maine Audubon Loon Count Project, Statewide. Be a citizen scientist; go to your favorite lake or pond to count loons and help protect them and their lake habitat. The count occurs between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m.; the early morning provides an excellent snapshot of our loon population. Registration required. Contact Susan Gallo (207-781-2330 x216) or sgallo@maineaudubon.org FMI

 

*Saturday, July 16

Village of Centreville Annual 5k Run/Walk, Centreville, NB. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at Centreville Community School. Run/Walk start: 8:30 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Water, muffins, fruit available after race. Hope to see you all there! Cost: $20/person; t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Contact Centreville Village Office (506-276-3671) FMI

 

Saturday, July 16

Potato Blossom Festival 5-Miler, Fort Fairfield. Registration: 7:30 a.m. across from Hillside IGA, Main St. Walk start: 8:30 a.m. Run start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $15/person; t-shirt to first 70 registrants. Contact Paul Lamoreau (207-764-6517) FMI

 

Saturday, July 16

LP Fisher Public Library/River Valley Runners Kids’ Kilometre Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. 10:00 a.m. (Atlantic Time) at L.P. Fisher Public Library, 679 Main St. 1km “race” for ages 0-15. Parents welcome to run with children. Strollers welcome. No dogs please (except service animals). Registration required. Cost: FREE! Finisher prizes (books!), refreshments provided. Contact LP Fisher Library (506-325-4777) FMI

 

Sunday, July 17

Potato Blossom Festival Spud Cycle Classic, Fort Fairfield. 25-mile and 12-mile (for ages 13-15) events. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at FF Community Center. Race start: 10:00 a.m. at FF Public Library. Cost: $15/rider; includes t-shirt to first 50 registrants. Contact Tom Towle (207-472-3882) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI

 

Sunday, July 17

Potato Blossom Festival Floatilla of Fun, Fort Fairfield. Bring your kayaks and canoes; join us on the Aroostook River for an afternoon of floating, fun, serenity, many opportunities to enjoy wildlife. 2:00 p.m. at Forbes Landing, 6 mi. north of Fort Fairfield on Rt. 161. Cost: FREE! Contact Tom Towle (207-472-3882) or ttowle@fortfairfield.org FMI

 

Monday, July 18-Wednesday, July 20

Maine Winter Sports Center Summer Youth Biathlon Camp, Fort Kent. Campers ages 10-14 will learn about biathlon, safety, equipment handling, physical preparation. Biathlon is first-and-foremost an endurance sport and participants will use the on-foot sports of running, hiking, orienteering to be active and enjoy Maine’s outdoors. Cost: $295/overnight participant, $195/day participant. Contact Lauren Jacobs (207-227-8580) or lauren@mainewsc.org FMI

 

Saturday, July 23

Allagash Wilderness Waterway 50th Anniversary Celebration, Churchill Dam. Activities: open fire baking contest, bean supper w/homemade ice cream, ME Forest Service and ME DIF&W demos, Boarding House and History Center tours, blacksmith demo, working Lombard Log Hauler, bateau rides, canoe flows (with shuttle service), music, bonfire. Canoe rentals, weekend camping available. Contact Maine Forest Service (207-695-3721) or visit www.maine.gov/allagash FMI

 

Saturday, July 23

Presque Isle 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

 

Saturday, July 23

Friends of Baxter State Park Evening Program at Katahdin Stream, Millinocket. 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Katahdin Stream Campground. Join writers Paul Corrigan and Bryan Wiggins for a selection of Katahdin-themed readings around the campfire at Katahdin Stream. Cost: Free! Pre-registration required. Contact Sarah Holland admin@friendsofbaxter.org FMI

 

Friday, July 29 to Saturday, July 30

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, July 30

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, July 30

Team Berry Sisters 2nd Annual 5k Walk for MS, Island Falls. Join us to raise funds and awareness for MS. If 5k is too much, take the 1-mile route! Registration: 8:00 a.m. at VFW King Mitchell Post 7529, 82 Houlton Rd. Run/Walk start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $25/person (suggested registration fee.) Contact Susan Batchelder (207-949-6968) or susren1972@aol.com FMI

 

Saturday, July 30

UMFK 5k Run/Walk, Fort Kent. Registration: 8:00 a.m. at UMFK Sports Center. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Proceeds benefit Dylan R. Levesque Memorial Scholarship, which helps students who have overcome adversity and hardship. Contact Lucas Levesque (207-834-7876) or lucas.levesque@maine.edu FMI

 

Saturday, July 30

Island Falls Lakes Association Summer Fest Around the Pond Canoe/Kayak Race, Island Falls. Find your competitive spirit and enter our fun race! Proceeds support college scholarship fund. Paddle around Pleasant Pond while helping a local high school student fund their college dreams. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Birch Point Campground, 33 Birch Point Lane. Race start: 10:00 a.m. Visit www.islandfallslakesassociation.com FMI

 

Saturday, July 30

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Children’s Mickey Finn Wildlife Festival, Houlton. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Riverside Park. Join us for a day of learning and fun as part of our Outdoor Heritage and Conservation Education Program. This rain or shine event is for families with youngsters ages 3-15. Children will learn new outdoor skills at interactive stations and may participate in activities with great prizes. RSVP by 7/25. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI

 

Saturday, July 30

Brayons Cours Kids’ 1k, Edmundston, NB. Race start: 4:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at Sports Experts, 33 Canada Rd., downtown Edmundston. For children 12 and under. Cost: $5/runner. Contact Daniel Violette dviolett@nbnet.nb.ca FMI

 

Sunday, July 31

10th Annual Brayons Cours 10k, Edmundston, NB. Registration: 6:30 a.m. (all times Atlantic) at Palladium Arena, 25 Park Street, St. Jacques, NB. 21.1k start: 8:30 a.m. 3k, 5k, 10k, 3k walk start: 8:35 a.m. Mostly flat course; run on pavement, street, bike trail. Cost: $50/runner on race day. Technical t-shirt to first 200 registered online to 5k, 10k, 21.1k. Contact Daniel Violette dviolett@nbnet.nb.ca or visit www.inscriptionenligne.ca/brayons-cours/race-info FMI

 

Monday, August 1

Village of Bath New Brunswick Day River Run, Bath, NB. Meet at 1:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time) at the Ferry Landing. Paddle to Florenceville (approx. 12k) with a stop at Nature Trust of NB Green Island Nature Preserve for interpretive activities. Canoe, kayak rentals available. No registration necessary. Contact Bath Fair Grounds (506-278-5293) or bathfairgrounds@gmail.com or visit www.bathfairgrounds.com FMI

 

Saturday, Aug 6

Friends of Baxter State Park Day Hike of New Abol Trail, Millinocket. After two years of hard work by Maine Conservation Corps and BSP staff, the Abol Trail has reopened. Come check out the new version of this historic route to the summit of Katahdin! Limited lean-to space available Friday evening for those who would like to stay the night before. Pre-registration required. Contact Sarah Holland admin@friendsofbaxter.org FMI

 

*Saturday, August 6

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. Cost: $20/person; t-shirt to first 100 registrants. All proceeds to Green Beret Foundation. Contact MACS Trading Post (207-521-4904) or visit www.active.com/houlton-me/running/distance-running-races/2nd-annual-sfc-aaron-henderson-memorial-5k-2016 FMI

 

Saturday, August 6

Island Falls Summer Fest Pie Run 5k, Island Falls. Kids’ Run start: 8:45 a.m. at Island Falls Municipal Building. Walk/Run start: 9:00 a.m. 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 6

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Mud Lake Falls Canoe Trip, Forest City. 9:00 a.m. at WWLT Center, 2 Grove Road. Pack your lunch and join Maine Guide Homer Clough for a flat water paddle from Spednic landing to the base of the stunning falls. Participants will learn the importance of the Booming Out Ground and experience the late-successional forest and ecological reserve. Box lunch available upon request. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI

 

*Saturday, August 6

Perth-Andover Rec Tuff Muck Challenge, Perth-Andover, NB. Become “One Tuff Mucker” by completing the 6k course; leave covered in mud as you complete 16 different obstacles along the way. Tackle the course on your own or create a team for competition or just for the fun of it!  Live music throughout the day. Online pre-registration required. Cost: $80/person. Contact Perth-Andover Rec (506-273-4959) or visit www.perth-andover.com/tuff-muck-challenge FMI

 

Sunday, August 7

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Old Tannery Walking Tour, Forest City. 9:30 a.m. at WWLT Center, 2 Grove Road. Meet on the porch to learn about the Old Forest City Tannery and its importance in the community. Walking Tour of the Old Tannery Site 10:00 a.m.-Noon. Sturdy shoes recommended. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI

 

Sunday, August 7

Woodie Wheaton Land Trust Annual Meeting/Children’s Activities, Forest City. 12:30 p.m. at WWLT Center, 2 Grove Road. Join members and guests for the Annual Meeting, with a program on 1930’s logging, significance of the Booming Out Ground, preservation of this historic area. Activities planned for children ages 3-13. Contact WWLT (207-448-3250) or WWLToffice@gmail.com FMI

 

*Saturday, August 13

Mars Hill Mountain Challenge, Mars Hill. 9:00 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+. Pre-registration required; online only. Cost: $65/person; includes t-shirt, lift ticket for upcoming season. Visit www.marshillmountainchallenge.com FMI

 

Ongoing Programs:

 

Sentiers Madawaska Trails Blue Loop Challenge, Edmundston, NB. Always wanted to MTB race without stress, cost? This is for you! Open STRAVA account, register, come to the trails, follow blue arrows for 7.5k cross country-style course. Race as many times as you want from 7/2-8/26. 10 fastest in each of 4 categories: Men, Women, Junior Boys/Girls (16 and under) will be in a draw for $100 cash, held 8/29. Everyone welcome, not just locals! Visit www.strava.com/activities/611487055 FMI

 

C.R.X. Outdoor Adventure Program Open Registration, Caribou. Weekdays. Exciting outdoor activities for youth entering grades 5-11. 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; 1:30 p.m. at the end of Brissette Way. Hike to 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

 

Presque Isle Rec. Youth Geocaching/Hiking, Presque Isle. Mondays; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Riverside Park. For boys and girls in Grades 6-9. Let our instructors open your eyes to our beautiful trails; explore Mantle Lake Park, Haystack, Quoggy Jo, and many more trails in this new and exciting option to our adventure programs! Cost: $25/student. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) FMI

 

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Youth Mountain Bike Program, Presque Isle. Mondays; 5:30 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. June 20-August 8. All area youth 9-14 years old are strongly encouraged to come out and enjoy the fantastic single track mountain bikes trails the NHC has to offer. Cost: FREE! Liability form completed by parent or guardian required. Contact Joey Bard joey.bard@maine.edu FMI

 

MOJO Monday Meander, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at MOJO Outdoor Sports, 30 North St. Easy road bike group ride. Average speed: 14-18 mph for 22 miles. Contact Mark Fullen (207-760-9500) or info@mojooutdoorsports.com FMI

 

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Mondays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. Distance: 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

 

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

 

Presque Isle Rec. Youth Mountain Biking, Presque Isle. Tuesdays & Thursdays; 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Riverside Park Building. July 5-August 11. Rain or shine. For boys and girls in Grades 6-9. Open to bikers of all abilities; learn to climb steep hills, bunny hop over a log, stop in a hurry and have a blast with your friends. We will explore Presque Isle trails at Nordic Heritage Center, Aroostook State Park. Cost: $25/student. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) 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

 

Presque Isle Rec. Youth Kayaking, Presque Isle. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays; 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Riverside Park Building. July 5-August 11. For boys and girls in Grades 6-9. From pond to stream to river, join us as we learn to paddle a touring kayak; explore the many bodies of water all around us, learn water safety procedures, swift water rescue. Cost: $25/student. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) 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

 

Presque Isle Rec. Adult Kayaking, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 -8:00 pm. at Riverside Park Building. July 6-August 10. First class meets at Riverside Park; all other classes will be determined. From pond to stream to river, join us as we learn to paddle a touring kayak; explore the many bodies of water all around us, learn water safety procedures, swift water rescue. Cost: $25/person. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) FMI

 

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Women’s Trail Night, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Lodge parking lot. May-June. Beginner and advanced groups depart from the parking lot at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Cost: FREE! Visit www.facebook.com/groups/823219364374296 FMI

 

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Group Mountain Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center Fort Road trailhead, 450 Fort Fairfield Road. 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, 30 North St. 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

 

Fort Kent Outdoor Center Outdoor Activity Night, Fort Kent. Wednesdays; 6:00 p.m. at FKOC. June 15-August 17. All-ages activity options include: volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, bocce ball, soccer, mountain bike riding, trail walking/hiking—or whatever the leader feels like doing! Cost: Free/FKOC member, $5/non-member. Contact Laura Audibert La4568@roadrunner.com or Sylvia Dow-Harvey sdowharvey@gmail.com 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

 

Presque Isle Rec. Youth Archery, Presque Isle. Fridays; hour-long classes beginning at 8:30 a.m. at William V. Haskell Community Center. July 8-August 12. For boys and girls in Grades 4 & up. Come enjoy the great sport of archery in a safe and fun environment. Classes focus on range safety and basic shooting techniques with a recurve bow. Cost: $25/student; all equipment provided. Contact PI Rec. (207-764-2545) FMI

 

Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at BB&S rear entrance behind Northeastland Hotel. 20-30 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18 mph. All abilities ride; no mountain bikes. Focus on improving group riding skills, safety and etiquette. Spirited at times, but we regroup several times along the way. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com 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).