PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The words “snow day” are music to the ears of many local winter enthusiasts, and the Aroostook Medical Center’s Fit & Fun Series will help sponsor several events during February school vacation that are low cost and encourage residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
“We are committed to helping people in our community be healthier. It’s a win-win for parents during school vacation,” said Jamie Guerrette, community health specialist at TAMC. “These are events that are a ton of fun and will keep kids busy and active. It’s like a full week of snow days.”
“We’re happy to support efforts at Bigrock, Quoggy Jo and Nordic,” said Guerrette. “As you know, skiing is a fantastic way to stay fit and have fun at the same time.”
Quoggy Jo Ski Area will feature fireworks, a bonfire and movie night, along with the Quoggy Jo Olympics. They will be open daily during school vacation from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and the lift reopens again from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday for night skiing. Free youth ski lessons will be held daily courtesy of TAMC. Find more information on the Quoggy Jo Facebook page.
The Nordic Heritage Sports Center in Presque Isle hosts the ongoing free Saturday youth ski lessons, sponsored by TAMC, from 10:00 a.m. to noon with instructor Paul Lamoreau.
Bigrock Mountain also features discounted skiing on Wednesdays for a number of years now, sponsored by area businesses and TAMC.
“We’ve approached local businesses and some have come to us, and they’ve all been very supportive,” said Travis Kearney, director of operations at Bigrock Mountain. “It’s now called Wicked Cheap Wednesday. It used to be a night skiing event only, but now the discounted rates go into effect at noon to accommodate the demand for more time on the mountain.”
Wicked Cheap Wednesday allows skiers and snowboarders to purchase lift tickets for $5. Rental equipment is available at $10.
Wednesday, Feb. 22, is TAMC Day at Bigrock. In addition to the discounted lift tickets and rentals, that evening hospital employees will be on hand with free hot cocoa. For more information, visit www.bigrockmaine.com.
Winter Family Fun Day takes place at Aroostook State Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. The day features a sliding hill, snowmobile tote rides, hot dogs and hot drinks, a wildlife display, a bonfire and even a visit with Smokey the Bear. Free equipment for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing will be on loan. Activities are free with park admission, which is $1.50 for ages 12 and up, with those under 12 and over 65 free.
To wrap up vacation week, TAMC will sponsor its second free skating event this year on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. Skating is free, as are skate rentals. The snack bar will be open. There is a maximum capacity of 200 skaters on the ice at one time. That doesn’t include those who just come to watch, and skating spots typically continue to open up through the afternoon as young or inexperienced skaters reach their limits.
“We held our first Free Skate of the year at The Forum on Jan. 29, and it was a lot of fun,” said Guerrette. “The most exciting part was that there were a lot of first time skaters who came with their families. They’d never even been to The Forum before, and I think they might be hooked.”
Chris Beaulieu, director of the Presque Isle Recreation Department, said any partnership that allows for more people getting out and staying active is a worthy one.
“We are so pleased with the turnout to these events. It’s great to see whole families out on the ice and having fun,” said Beaulieu.
Free Skate Day at The Forum takes place
For a full listing of Fit & Fun activities, visit www.tamc.org.
