Fun Things to Do This Weekend in Aroostook County (July 18-20)

The attention is on Fort Fairfield this weekend for the big finale of the 2014 Maine Potato Blossom Festival. The weather is perfect to enjoy some fun events from one end of the County to the other.

Friday July 18

You're invited to a Traditional Ployes Acadian Kitchen Party Friday evening from 6-8. This family-friendly event will be held at the Fort Kent Senior Center, 20 Pine Street in Fort Kent.  Enjoy a night of live Acadian music and delicious ployes, cretons, butter & syrup. General admission is $5.  Children under attend free. Sponsored in part by the University of Maine at Fort Kent Alumni Association.

The Down East Boys will present a gospel music concert on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Monument Park in Houlton. The concert is sponsored by Greater Houlton Christian Academy. Bring your friends and lawn chairs. Free admission.  For more info, call 441-1399.

Saturday July 19

The 2014 Land Speed Races are happening all weekend on the runway at the former Loring Air Force Base.  The fastest vehicles on the continent will be trying to break land speed records on the longest asphalt racing surface in the world.  Saturday  8-5 and Sunday 8- ??. Check out the Loring Timing Association's website for more info. You can also find them on Facebook.

The Potato Blossom 5-Miler will be held in Fort Fairfield on Saturday. Start time for the 5-mile walk: 8:30 a.m. The 5-mile run starts at 9 a.m.  The event starts across from Hillside IGA on Main St. For more info, call Paul at 764-6517.

Tractor Train rides will be offered at Riverside Park East in Fort Fairfield at the Antique Tractor Display between 9 a.m. and 7p.m. Check out the full schedule of the Maine Potato Blossom Festival.

Join the Natural Resources Council of Maine Bike Trip to Sherman on Saturday. Bike Katahdin Woods and Waters Rec. Area, proposed to be a national park, to Orin Falls; 8 miles. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Gate in Stacyville. Fee: $15/adult; free/child; includes T-shirt, water, snacks. Bring bike, helmet & lunch.  For more info, call Eliza Donoghue at 430-0118

The Maine Potato Blossom Festival Parade  always draws thousands of people to Fort Fairfield.   Just as the parade starts at 1 p.m., TAMC will host the Spuddy Recovery Triathlon downtown at the reviewing stand.  It includes Walker Races, Wheel Chair Races and Crutches Racing. Registration on site.

Registration for the Aroostook River Regatta begins at  3 p.m. Saturday at Forbes Landing, 6 miles north of Fort Fairfield on Rt. 161. Race starts at 5 p.m. and finishes at the public boat landing. Cost is $12 per person; t-shirt for first 50 registered and a chance to win a new kayak. For more info, call Tom Towle at 472-3882.

A Pot Luck Dinner and Dance Saturday at the American Legion in Eagle Lake.  Dinner will be served from 4 - 6 pm  Meal cost is $8 ($5 for children ages 6-12; FREE for children 5 & under). Dance by DeeJay Kevin Megno after dinner from 8 p.m. to 12midnight. Dance cost: $8  per couple, $5 for singles. This is a fundraiser for a new building addition.

The Stagecoach Band will be playing at the Sherman Rec. Department from 6-9 Saturday night.  Admission is $5 at the door.  Concessions in the kitchen.  For more info, call Peggy at 365-4307

Sunday July 20

The Spud Cycle Classic will take place in Fort Fairfield on Sunday. It includes a 25-mile and a 12-mile (for ages 13-15) . Registration: 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Fort Fairfield Community Center. Race start: 10 a.m. at the Library on Main St.  Finishes at Hillcrest Estates. Cost: $15/adult; $10/student. For more info, call Tom Towle 472-3882.

A Summer Musicale at Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, on the corner of Prospect & Sweden Streets in Caribou, Sunday from 2 - 4 . Enjoy a variety of concert music, featuring piano, organ, vocalist and violinist. Free admission. Donations will be taken for the senior Choir Project.  Refreshments following the concert.

Enjoy the Fireworks Display on the Aroostook River in Fort Fairfield Sunday at dusk as the Maine Potato Blossom Festival draws to a close for another year.

Many thanks to Mark Shea and the offugo outdoor calendar.