By Barbara ScottStaff Writer
Caribou’s 150th Celebration Committee is gearing up to unwrap a number of solitary opening events commemorating the city’s birthday celebration. The Caribou Rotary Club recently committed to purchase 75 trees which will be planted throughout Caribou proper. The committee would like to sell at least another 75 trees to those wishing to improve their property or simply memorialize a family member or friend. The deadline for tree orders is February 1. Anyone wishing to purchase a tree is asked to contact Kathy Mazzuchelli at the Department of Parks and Recreation or go to www.celebratecaribou.com for more information and order form.
The last weekend if February promises to bring winter fun and entertaining activities.
On Friday evening, Feb. 27, the Council of the Arts will be hosting an “Aroostook Celtic Celebration,” co-sponsored between Caribou’s 150th Celebration Committee and Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial committee.
The Celtic event will feature authentic food, music and dance. The dinner menu is to include hearty Guinness beef stew, potatoes, green peas, Irish soda bread and desserts will be served in the Caribou High School cafeteria from 5-7 p.m. Dinner tickets are $7.
The Irish and Scottish entertainment program starts at 7 p.m. in the Caribou Performing Arts Center. Performance tickets are $5 each and may be purchased from Caribou One Stop, Aroostook Centre Mall, the Chamber of Commerce or at the door.
The Council for the Arts promises this Irish entertainment program to be one of international flair, a unique event for all to attend. The program includes the Scheidler Family, Ken Campbell and John Toner,
Garold Hanscome and the Wednesday Evening Fiddlers, Tim Scheidler, the Gallagher Brothers, a trio of Erin Buck, Danielle Lane, and Kelly Moody; The Maine Dance Academy’s Celtic Dancers and Celtic immigration into Aroostook history.
The first “Maine Invitational Ski Sprint” a unique winter event, establishing the Fastest Male and Female Ski Sprinter in Maine will take place February 28, in downtown Caribou.
A first-ever event, hosted by the Maine Winter Sports Center crew pairing up with the Caribou Rotary Club will take place in the downtown business district parking lot. Snow will be trucked in for the event and with Herschel Street blocked off from vehicular traffic, the area will be adapted allowing for a spectator venue to watch the action. Hot food and drinks will be available during this time.
This invitational event will host high school and middle school skiers as well as adult entries. Cash prizes for record holders who established the fastest sprinters on skis will be awarded.
Northern Maine has not seen such an event and February 28 promises to create a lot of winter fun and excitement in Caribou.
For a fund-raiser, the 150th Celebration Committee is offering a huge food menu to further entice skiers and viewers alike with chicken stew, chili, hamburgers, hot dogs and a variety of hot drinks.
Cash prizes, good food and outdoor competition — good fun. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of the activities celebrating Caribou’s 150th birthday. Be a part of everything.
