Experience Maine - Winter 2023-2024 by Bangor Daily News

Experience

MAI N E A GUIDE TO WINTER ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

IN OR OUT? WHETHER YOU LOVE THE SNOW OR NEED A BREAK FROM THE COLD, WE’VE GOT WINTER COVERED

WINTER 2023-24

ON THE STAGE CATCH A GREAT SHOW THIS SEASON

ON THE ICE IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN TO SKATE

 Snow and ice coat evergreens along the Sargent Mountain South Ridge Trail in Acadia National Park. BDN FILE PHOTO | Aislinn Sarnacki

A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, December 1, 2023

In or Out? 02

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

7 THINGS TO DO

INSIDE BY KATIE SMITH

WHETHER YOU LOVE THE SNOW OR NEED A BREAK FROM THE COLD, WE’VE GOT WINTER COVERED

MOST OF US LIVE IN MAINE because we enjoy how our great state embodies all the seasons. However, just because you like the cold and snow doesn’t mean you always want to be outside in the elements. Whether you need a break from skiing or snowmobiling, or are someone who feels the indoors has more to offer than the outside during the colder months, here are seven things you can do inside during the winter months that are sure to stave off cabin fever.

OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM 117 MUSEUM STREET, OWLS HEAD Owls Head Transportation Museum is open year round from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., but make sure to check their site before you plan a visit as they offer lots of special events and workshops and are sometimes closed for private events. The museum offers exhibits of pew-1940 aircraft, ground vehicles, engines, and more.

THE MAINE DISCOVERY MUSEUM 74 MAIN STREET, BANGOR Open Tuesday through Saturday, the Maine Discovery Museum has three floors of interactive exhibits for the entire family. It’s designed to help young Mainers explore and enjoy extensive STEM programming.

BANGOR ESCAPE ROOMS 1528 HAMMOND STREET, BANGOR Locally owned, Bangor Escape Rooms are a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening with family and friends. Book about a week in advance. Each room has a unique theme with puzzles and challenges to overcome in an hour.

7 THINGS TO DO

OUTSIDE BY AMY ALLEN

IF THE FIRST WINTERY FLAKES falling from the sky make you smile with excitement for the cold weather fun to come, we understand. Living in a state like Maine with its long and snowy winters, means you just have to lean in and learn to love the cold weather. If you haven’t quite found your wintertime passion yet or you’re looking for something new to try, here are seven ideas for outdoor fun.

GO SKIING Whether you choose to quietly glide your cross-country skis along a groomed trail through the woods or rush down a mountain for some alpine fun, skiing (and snowboarding) opportunities abound all over Maine. Visit pvskiclub.org for a list of local alpine and nordic spots to get started.

FAT BIKING Miss the chance to ride your bike during the winter? Then it’s time to try a fat bike, with wide tires designed for traversing the snow. Lots of Maine trails are open to fat bikes, including the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley.

ICE FISHING If you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity for the whole family, ice fishing might be the answer. There’s nothing quite like hearing someone shout “flag!” while waiting for the fish to bite. Spots like the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket offer guided adventures for those who are new to the activity.

SNOWMOBILING Want a little more speed and excitement? Maine’s 14,000-plus miles of snowmobile trails offer more than enough fun and adventure for the whole winter. The Maine Snowmobile Association (mainesnowmobileassociation.com) is a good place to get started.

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

COME FOR THE

TRAILS, MAINE BOUND ADVENTURE CENTER UNIVERSITY OF MAINE CAMPUS, ORONO Come scale a 32-foot-high climbing wall and 45 by 12-foot bouldering wall at the Maine Bound Adventure Center. You can purchase a day pass for $30 and bring the entire family for a fun day of exercise. Make sure to visit the site for special events, like night climbs every Thursday from 3-10 p.m.

STAY FOR THE

Mark your calendars and join us for some of the biggest events of the season happening only at Maine’s Largest Ski Resort, Sugarloaf.

JANUARY 5th - 6th

 CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

TOBOGGANING Finding the perfect hill to sled down after Mother Nature drops a fresh layer of snow is always fun for young and old. And you can kick it up a notch at the Camden Snow Bowl, where you can fly down the 440-footlong Jack Williams Toboggan Chute out onto Hosmer Pond. Mark your calendar for Feb. 2-4, 2024 when Camden hosts the 33rd annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships.

FEBRUARY 2nd - 4th  A team of sled dogs is suited up for a training run at Lone Wolf Kennel and Guiding Services in Shirley.

DOG SLEDDING BDN FILE PHOTO | Man’s best friend is a fan of winter too so why Aislinn Sarnacki know give dog sledding a try this winter? If you’re looking for pro tips or a team of dogs all trained and ready to go, places like Mahoosuc Guide Service offer weekend-long dog sled trips. And don’t miss the Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races held each year in Fort Kent.

SNOWSHOEING If a more low-key winter outing at your own pace is more your speed, snowshoeing can’t be beat. A walk through the Maine woods sparkling with fresh snowfall will make you fall in love with winter. And there are dozens, if not hundreds, of groomed trails all over Maine to choose from — or create your adventure through a state park or land trust or through your own backyard.

APRIL 12th - 14th

For complete details and listing of all the happenings visit Sugarloaf.com/events.

On the Stage 04

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

WARM UP THIS WINTER AT A LOCAL THEATER

BY JUDY HARRISON

THERE WILL BE PLENTY HAPPENING on Greater Bangor stages this winter to warm up those who spend time outdoors and people who avoid the cold. December is chock full of shows that will spread cheer and entertain audiences, starting with Penobscot Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol,” running through Dec. 24 at the Bangor Opera House. It is the first time since 2009 the theater company has produced the holiday favorite. Artistic Director Jonathan Berry said when audiences were polled last season, the non-musical that theatergoers wanted back for PTC’s 50th season was “A Christmas Carol.” And, they wanted Ken Stack back as Scrooge in his 24th turn in the role. Berry has obliged but is using a new script by Chicago playwright Livinia Jadwani with eight adult and four youth actors — some of whom play instruments and sing — in multiple roles. Using much of Charles Dickens’ text, it premiered in 2021 in Minneapolis. “‘A Christmas Carol’ tells a remarkable story,” Berry said recently. “It reminds us to look after our community and to take care of one another. Humankind is our business and that’s always messaging worth hearing.” For more than a decade, the theater has offered a “naughty” alternative show in December. “Livin’ for Drag: Happy Holigays” starring Priscilla Poppycocks will be performed Dec. 7-23 at the company’s blackbox space at 51A Main Street. This one-woman, biographical piece was created and is performed by PTC veteran Dominick Varney. The Robinson Ballet will take Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic “The Nutcracker” on the road this winter to the University of Maine at Machias on Dec. 2 and to the Criterion Theater in Bar Harbor on Dec. 10 before joining the Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Bangor Area Children’s Choir at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono on Dec. 16 and 17. Artistic Director Stephanie McGary said the snow scene has been “revamped” and the toy bear is returning to the doll dances in Act One after a hiatus.

Ken Stack as Ebenezer Scrooge anticipates the arrival of another spirit in Ten Bucks Theatre Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Bangor Mall in 2019. BDN FILE PHOTO | Courtesy of Deanna Rice

The Collins Center is offering several holiday-themed concerts including the Texas Tenors on Dec. 1 and a Yuletide Celebration featuring the University of Maine choral ensembles on Dec. 3. Paul Sullivan and Friends will perform Dec. 9 at the Minsky Recital Hall. In addition to those musical offerings, the Bangor Band will perform its annual “Sounds of the Season” concert on Dec. 2 at Peakes Auditorium in Bangor. For those who prefer less holiday cheer with their entertainment, Ten Bucks Theatre Company will perform the ghost tale “The Woman in Black” Dec. 1-10. Some Theatre Company will reprise “The Rocky Horror Show” Dec. 7-10. Both will be presented at the Bangor Mall. Theatergoers looking for some warmth in January may find it Jan. 1-14 at the Cyrus Pavilion at the University of Maine when True North Theatre presents William Inge’s “Picnic” set in a small town on Labor Day weekend. The play, first performed in 1953 and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama that year, is an American classic. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra on Jan. 28 at the Collins Center will perform a new work by Nathan Shields, who won this season’s Ellis-Beauregard Foundation Composer Award. Titled “Past, Present, Future: Bach and Beyond,” the concert will feature pianist Awadagin Pratt performing two concertos, one by Johann Sebastian Bach, the other by Jessie Montgomery. The concert will conclude with Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 4. “Constellations,” a two-character play focused on the the twists and turns of their relationship, will be PTC’s first show of the new year and run Jan. 25-Feb. 11.

On the Snow MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SOME OUTDOOR FUN

Snodeo 2024 January 2024 (Date TBD) Multiple venues in Rangeley rangeleysnowmobile.com Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club presents this event with cardboard box races, a parade, fireworks, and, of course, snowmobiles and snowmobile events.

Toboggan Championships February 2-4, 2024 Camden camdensnowbowl.com The 33rd annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships return! Watch the best of the best in U.S. toboggan teams battle it out in the frigid climes of Camden.

Can-Am Sled Dog Race March 2, 2024 Fort Kent

can-am-crown.net The annual Can-Am Sled Dog Race is one of the most challenging sled dog races in the eastern United States.

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

7 THINGS TO DO INSIDE, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 WINTERPORT WINERY 279 MAIN STREET WINTERPORT If you are looking for a good date night idea or girls’ night out, try Winterport Winery. Located in historic Winterport, this winery offers handcrafted fruit wines made from locally sourced fruits. The tasting room offers samples of wine and beer, and is open Thursday 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

URBAN AIR TRAMPOLINE AND ADVENTURE PARK 1129 UNION STREET, BANGOR Book a party or pop by to spend a wintry afternoon at Urban Air Adventure Park where everyone will enjoy climbing, jumping, and fun at this indoor trampoline park.

PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY 113 MAIN STREET, BANGOR Penobscot Theatre offers season subscriptions so you can see all your favorite performances and enjoy exclusive perks. Going to see a performance is a great activity to do all year round, but especially enjoyable during the cozy days of winter. Check their website to see the extensive list of performances and the best time to get your tickets.

BDN FILE PHOTO | Linda Coan O’Kresik

THE HOME OF

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We accommodate hunters for deer, moose & grouse at our cabins on Spencer Pond and can accommodate groups for ice fishing on Big Duck Cove of Moosehead Lake with our

806 Spencer Pond Road Beaver Cove Maine, 04441 207-745-1599 reservations@spencerpond.com • spencerpond.com

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

EMBRACE THE ENCHANTMENT OF WINTER IN RANGELEY COURTESY OF AMANDA CHRISTIAN & TRAVIS FERLAND, RANGELEY LAKES REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Nestled in the heart of Maine’s mountains, Rangeley invites you to experience the enchantment of winter with an abundance of outdoor activities, for all ages and interests. WINTER ADVENTURES FOR ALL Stop by the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center, offering a vast network of trails for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Entertain the kids with a hunt for whimsical gnome houses hidden along the path, enjoy views of Saddleback Lake and Mountain, or warm up with a hot bowl of soup in the Yurt. Carve up some powder at Saddleback Mountain, with an exhilarating day of alpine skiing or snowboarding. Voted Maine’s “Best Ski Mountain” in a Down East Magazine reader poll, the resort has seen numerous upgrades to lifts and terrain since reopening in 2020. The Saddleback Pub, conveniently located on the mountain, awaits for a midday refueling. Looking to make your own trails? Venture over to Oquossoc and strap on your snowshoes for a hike up Bald Mountain. Enjoy epic vistas of Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, and the surrounding region.

Or visit one of the numerous trail networks maintained by Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. For those enticed by the roar of snowmobile engines, look no further than Mountain View Adventures. Here, you can rent snowmobiles, receive expert instructions, and even hire a guide to explore local snowmobile trails. After a thrilling day on the trails, you can savor a meal in town before returning to your abode. As evening descends, Rangeley’s brilliant dark sky offers an exceptionally clear view of the Milky Way, planets, and maybe even a hint of aurora borealis. The adventure continues at Haley Pond and Rangeley Adventure Company. Here, the joy of ice skating awaits, with complimentary skates available. Young skaters benefit from skate trainers, while older kids break out their hockey sticks. When it's time for a breather, the warming hut provides a cozy haven. Now that everyone is happily fatigued, it's time to retreat to your chosen accommodations, whether it's a welcoming inn, a cozy b&b, or a rental home. Unwind and rejuvenate before the evening invites you back to town for a delightful dinner or a simpler option from one of Rangeley’s many eateries.

If a change of pace is in order or the weather isn't cooperating, indoor pursuits beckon. Retail therapy in town or an afternoon of bowling at Moose Alley are excellent options. Stop by Lakeside Theater for a familyfriendly movie to round out your day. WINTER EVENTS FOR ALL Regardless of your age or interests, Rangeley's winter events have something for everyone. Visit www.rangeleymaine.com for all the events and activities the Rangeley Region has to offer. Mountain Holly Days, Rangeley Legendary Snodeo, The Annual Fat-Tire Bike Loppet, Winterpaloozah, Legendary Rangeley Lakes Loppet, and the Annual Moose Dash Snowshoe Race present a medley of exciting winter activities, ensuring there's never a dull moment during your Rangeley winter getaway.

On the Ice

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

BY WANDA CURTIS

WHETHER IT’S ON a frozen lake, a homemade backyard rink, or in one of Maine’s many indoor arenas, one of the state’s most popular winter sports is ice skating. Community outdoor rinks can often be accessed free of charge and offer a great opportunity for the entire family to have fun and enjoy some healthy exercise. Mark Ellis, skating director of the Skating Association of Maine, encourages both young and old to take advantage of Maine’s ice skating opportunities. As a child, he said he often watched figure skating on TV and wanted to skate like the champions. However, he grew up in a military family who moved frequently so he wasn’t able to take up the sport as a youth, but pledged to fulfill that dream when he got older. “At age 32, I jumped into the sport by enrolling in U.S. Figure Skating’s Basic Skills program,” Ellis said. “When I finished the program, I started to take private lessons and compete. The apex of my competitive skating came when I won a bronze medal at the 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Adult National Championships in Dallas, Texas at age 45.” Today, Ellis loves the sport just as much as he did when he was younger. However, he now focuses his energy on serving as skating director and coaching at a local rink. He encourages beginning skaters, of all ages, to pursue their skating dreams like he did. “Expect to fall many times, but embrace each fall as a learning moment, get back up, and keep skating,” Ellis said. Many are familiar with popular indoor rinks throughout the state, such as the Ice Vault in Hallowell, where Ellis coaches. However, not everyone knows about the state’s

MAINE RINKS OFFER LOTS OF WINTER FUN many outdoor rinks, often located in community parks, which are free and open to the public. Some of the most popular ones in the Bangor area include Broadway Park, Chapin Park, Fairmount Park West, Bangor Gardens Park, Stillwater Park, Brewer Recreation Park, and the Winterport Recreation Park.

BDN FILE PHOTO | Linda Coan O’Kresik

SAFETY TIPS Bangor Parks and Recreation urges all skaters to be sure the water is completely frozen before attempting to skate at any outdoor rink this year. If there's a question whether the ice is safe, the rule is “don't skate.” In addition, the following are some safety tips to help prevent harm and enhance one’s ice skating experience. • Dress for the weather and pack an extra pair of dry gloves to help prevent frostbite, which can occur with wet gloves. • Children are often advised to wear helmets to prevent head injuries during falls. Some adults also choose to wear helmets. Wrist pads, knee pads, and elbow pads can also help to prevent injuries, especially for beginners. • Consult a professional when selecting skates. It's important to wear proper fitting, sharp skates to prevent frequent falls. Dull skates can catch on rough spots in the ice. • Seek instruction regarding the safest way to fall and how to protect your head. • Maintain a safe distance from other skaters. People may reach out to grab another skater if they start to fall, which can cause injury to both skaters. • After a fall, move out of the way of other skaters as quickly as possible. • Skate in the same direction as other skaters to prevent accidents on the ice. • Before heading for the ice, enroll in an ice skating class to learn all the basics.

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EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

WINTER WONDERS AT HIDDEN VALLEY NATURE CENTER COURTESY OF MIDCOAST CONSERVANCY IMAGINE 1,000 ROADLESS ACRES, laced with nearly 30 miles of multi-use trails that meander up and down ridges, and along the shores of 100-acre Little Dyer Pond. Groomed cross-country ski trails. Places to hunker down for a mid-ski picnic lunch where patience might be rewarded with bird song and critter sightings, including otter slides in the snow. Skating and ice-fishing on the frozen pond. All of this awaits you at Hidden Valley Nature Center, in Jefferson. Open from dawn to dusk every day, Hidden Valley Nature Center offers opportunities for kids of all ages to be outside and inspired by nature’s beauty. Winter is magical at HVNC: skiing, fat-tire biking, snowshoeing opportunities abound. The new Welcome Center offers a place to get all the information you need, including staff recommendations for trail options. Gear rentals are available there for anyone lacking equipment or wanting to try something new. Fire pits are kept blazing at the Bezon Barn, as is the woodstove in the warming room, to keep adventurers toasty until they head out for another loop. Looking to truly immerse yourself in the experience? Four cabins and a yurt are available for overnight camping. Three cabins are fully insulated and all have woodstoves. Each cabin or yurt has its own woodpile and outhouse, as do two shoreline tent sites. Midcoast Conservancy members receive a 40% discount on already-reasonable rental rates, making this an affordable and fun family adventure. Time outside has so much to offer, including recreation, an appreciation of nature, and a place to connect with community and creativity. Hidden Valley Nature Center provides opportunities for all of these and more…come explore this place of wonder! To learn more about Midcoast Conservancy, and its nearly 100 miles of public-access trails across midcoast Maine, go to www.midcoastconservancy.org.

131 Egypt Rd, Jefferson, ME 04348

EXPERIENCE MAINE WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 1, 2023

• • • •

eople who care for forests have long had a laser focus on firewood as a major threat to forest health and productivity. Years ago, it became clear that movement of firewood significantly accelerates the spread of the destructive emerald ash borer. Remarkably, about three quarters of the early infestations in Michigan were directly tied to this mode of transportation. The invasive Asian longhorned beetle has similarly been traced back to the movement of infested firewood. In fact, there is a whole host of forest threats which can be inadvertently carried around in a load of firewood. Just consider the following list: oak wilt fungus, which has killed oaks in the Midwest for decades; the spotted lanternflflyy, an expert hitchhiker which threatens not only trees, but also important crops used for certain adult beverages; and of course the browntail moth, which affects both the health of trees and people. The kicker is that while the list of what we know moves with firewood is long, new threats continue to come in from other regions and infiltrate forests near ports and other settled areas. High impact species, like emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle, have been found at a rate of roughly one every 2 and a half years, according to a December 2010 article in BioScience.

So, what’s in your firewood? It could be the next threat to Maine’s pristine lakeshores and scenic mountains, or its recreational tourism and forest-based economies. It could jeopardize Maine’s way of life and the way life should be. There is a cost to buying heat treated or locally sourced firewood, but the costs of moving firewood can be far greater and irreversible.