CARIBOU, Maine — Skiers young and old took to the trails in Caribou over the weekend at the Caribou Ski Center and Caribou Country Club.
What was once a multi-weekend downtown event has evolved into a two-day festival with the Caribou Ski Frolic on Saturday and the annual Henry Anderson Ski Dag on Sunday.
Youth skiers had the opportunity to enjoy playing tag and relay games as well as limbo, musical chairs, radar runs, and fun on a terrain park.
Mark Shea, president of the Boreal Ski Club, says the youth ski festival is to encourage outdoor fun and exercise.
“The idea behind the youth ski festival is to promote a fun and cool way to move on skis. It’s not competitive. We have games and everybody has fun. Everybody wins in the end,” Shea said.
Over 80 middle school students from around Aroostook County competed in ski sprints. Students raced on a 325-meter course in a double-elimination tournament.
According to race organizer, Sam Collins, ski sprints have been part of the festival for the past eight years. And it made sense to combine the sprint races and youth ski festival together.
“It’s a great event for kids. Seeing smiles on their faces is fun. Smiles on parents for the chance to see their child race makes it worth it. And seeing everyone out on a sunny day in Aroostook County — playing outside — is always a good thing,” Collins said.
Isabelle Jandreau of Madawaska and Josh Stanley of Fort Kent brought home the top spots in the ski sprints. Top team score honors went to Union 122 for both boys and girls teams.
Over 30 racers skied the 6.2K classic course at the 40th annual Henry Anderson Memorial Ski Dag on Sunday at the golf course trails. Gary Marquis, superintendent of Caribou Parks and Rec, said conditions were perfect.
“It’s a beautiful morning, a little crisp but the sun is out. And it’s nice to see the skiers come out and enjoy the day,” Marquis said.
Skiers at the country club enjoyed a hearty meal after they finished their races. The annual event honors the memory of Henry Anderson, the legendary cross-country ski maker from New Sweden.
