Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Event organizers say this weekend’s first-ever Aroostook County Fall and Winter Sports and Recreation Show will feature something for everyone.
In addition to an impressive roster of area businesses and organizations that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, as well as individuals who seek other ways to pass the coming seasons, several special hands-on activities and features are planned for attendees to enjoy. “We really wanted to make this an attractive event for the entire family,” said Angela Berry-Thompkins, show coordinator. “Throughout the summer, we have been communicating with prospective exhibitors about some unique things we could add to the show to go beyond static displays and make the event more fun and interactive.
“We are extremely pleased with the variety of activities that will be part of our event,” she said. “Many showcase the businesses, organizations and resources that are available here in the county in the fall and winter. Others are just intended for those who visit the show to enjoy.”
The Northern Maine Development Commission and Aroostook County Tourism will use the fall and winter sports and recreation show to publicly unveil the new GPS trail system, which covers 2,200 miles of county snowmobile trails. Show attendees will have the opportunity to see how the technology works and what the positive implications will be for local sledders this coming season.
In honor and recognition of the 10th anniversary since its start up at the Loring Commerce Center, employees of the Maine Military Authority will provide Humvee rides for show attendees. Rides will depart from The Forum and bring the passengers for a short trip to the Northern Maine Community College campus and back.
The Maine Winter Sports Center, in conjunction with volunteers from the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle and the 10th Mountain Division Center in Fort Kent, will allow show attendees to experience what it feels like for a biathlete to zero in on a target and actually shoot a laser gun and try their luck at that aspect of the sport.
Another exhibit, coordinated by the Presque Isle Minor Hockey League, will feature a hockey net for individuals to shoot a puck at while volunteers time the speed of the shot with a radar gun.
Other participating exhibitors include representatives from the snowmobile and ATV recreation sector, including area retail dealers, local clubs and other organizations that benefit from the industries. Other fall and winter activities that will be represented at the show include hunting, cross-country and alpine skiing, biathlon, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
“The show has also attracted interest from prospective exhibitors who take care of individuals who approach the winter season as something to ‘get through,’” said Berry-Thompkins. “Health care organizations will provide tips for staying healthy, and businesses that offer home entertainment and other ideas for things to enjoy indoors if the great outdoors isn’t your thing during the colder months will really ensure that attendees find something that interests them.”
Sponsored and coordinated by the Northern Maine Community College Foundation, the 2007 County Fall and Winter Sports and Recreation Show will be held from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. Admission is $3 for adults.
For more information on the event, contact Berry Thompkins at (207) 760-1188.
