Folks from all over the country and world will be flocking to Aroostook County for the start of the 2014 World Acadian Congress that will be held right in our area!

World Acadian Congress
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Opening ceremonies kick off Friday, August 8th at 9 a.m. during the community breakfasts in Grand Falls and Van Buren.

Curious about some of the happenings?  Here's a look at many of the events that will be going on during CMA 2014.

On Friday, August 8th:

  • At 10 a.m. at the farmers market is a "Historic re-enactment of MGR DE SAINT-VALLIER'S boat trip to Grand Falls in 1689 with guest artist 'Donat and Emee Lacroix and Jason Guerette'.

  • At 4 p.m. at The Acadian Village's "Assumption Chapel" in Van Buren, there will be an Acadian Mass, followed by an Acadian Meal at 5 p.m., and Acadian music at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, August 9th:

  • Coureur des Bois Triathlon, Second Falls, NB. Re-trace the steps of French-Canadian woodsmen who ventured into the woods to trade for furs; racers carry a package from start to finish in relay fashion while canoeing, mountain biking, or running. Contact Eric Carrier (506-740-0489) or eric.carrier@twinriverspaper.com FMI

  • Family Bike Ride, Grand Falls, NB. Meet at 9 a.m. (Atlantic) at vacant garage next to Quality Inn Motel Pres-du-Lac for a relaxed, non-competitive 12k ride through the country on asphalt roads. Prizes to participants. Riders 14 and under must be with an adult. Contact Dennis or Bernadette Arpin (506-473-4953) or ccnb_sfnb@yahoo.ca FMI

On Saturday & Sunday, August 9th & 10th:

  • 3 Borders River Trip, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Guided 43k canoe/kayak excursion on the St. Francis River. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) from Beau Lake loading dock. Paddle 2 days to Saint François, NB; camping at Glazier Lake. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI

  • The Acadian Heritage Air Show will be held at the Northern Aroostook Regional Airport in Frenchville. This exciting air show provides a family friendly event to remember history and honor Veterans. A World War II B-17 named the “Sentimental Journey” will be joined by four other World War II aircraft in seven inspiring aerobatic performances. There will also be food, music, static displays, demonstrations and much more! The fun begins at 10 a.m. on August 9th with the air show starting at Noon. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to aroostookaeroclub.org/airshow.

Sunday, August 10th:

  • The University of Maine at Fort Kent will hold a jam session for music lovers at the International Fiddlers’ Jamboree, which will be held at 1p.m. in UMFK’s Fox Auditorium. The doors will open to the public at 12:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under may attend free. This event is part of the World Acadian Congress. The jamboree brings together talented musicians for an afternoon of impromptu performances. Rising stars, as well as seasoned veterans take their turn. The event is an opportunity for people to strut their stuff whether they play an instrument, sing, or dance. There will be entertainers from Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. UMFK continues to preserve and foster an appreciation of the Acadian and Franco-American heritage and culture by hosting annual events, such as the “Fiddlers’ Jamboree” and the “Sucrerie.” For more information, please contact Susan Tardie at (207) 834-7557.

  • Soldier Pond River Race, Wallagrass. Canoe, Kayak, Youth categories. Grand prize: Old Town kayak. Registration: 8:00 a.m. Race start: 9:30 a.m. Course: Eagle Lake Screens, Sly Brook Side to Soldier Pond Boat Landing. Cost: $20. Contact Jamie Desjardins Pelletier (207-834-2570) or jamiepelletier@sad27.org FMI.

  • 3 Borders Mountain Bike Trip, Pohénégamook, QC. Guided 51k ride on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) from Frontière Park in Pohénégamook. Pedal to the 3 borders; return to Rivière-Bleue. Cost: $10; Includes transportation and equipment. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI.

  • 3 Borders Hiking Trip, St. Francois, NB. Guided 18k hike on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Glazier Lake in St. François. Hike through the 3 borders to Rivière Bleue. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI.

  • Baker Lake Crossing Swim Competition, Baker Lake, NB. Swim the 2k or 5k 'Circuit de l’Est du Québec.' 12:00 p.m. (Atlantic). Contact Georges Henri Levesque (506-992-2255) or Anne Nadeau (506-992-6020) or natationlacbaker@hotmail.fr FMI.

Thursday, August 14th:

  • Scouts and Guides Day, St. Jacques, NB. 8:00 a.m. (Atlantic). Come and meet the scout and guides family from Acadia of the Lands and Forests; singing, nature, and outdoors activities; games, hikes, campfires and much more at Mont Farlagne in St. Jacques. Visit www.cma2014.com/en/programmation/journees-thematiques FMI.

Saturday, August 16th:

  • Grand Isle Canoe/Boat Race, Grand Isle. A fun event for the whole family! 10 mi.; Madawaska boat landing to Grand Isle boat landing. Race start: 8:00 a.m. Cost: $15/adult; $7/youth (under 18), $25/family boat (4 or more); first 100 registrants receive a t-shirt. Contact Jeannot Damboise (207-895-3329) after 6:00 p.m. FMI.

  • Tour de L’Acadie, Fort Kent. Caribou’s Fresh Trails Adventures hosts this one day 20k, 50k, or 80k annual bike tour on the back roads of Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec. Depart: 80k-8:00 a.m.; 20k/50k-10:00 a.m. (all times Eastern) from UMFK. Cost: $30; includes meals, snacks, water, entertainment, prizes. Visit www.freshtrails.com FMI.

  • 3 Borders Mountain Bike Trip, Pohénégamook, QC. Guided 73k ride on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Eastern) from Frontière Park in Pohénégamook. Pedal to the 3 borders, with camping at Glazier Lake; return to St. François. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI.

  • 3 Borders River Trip, St. François, NB. Guided canoe/kayak excursion on the St. Francis River. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Glazier Lake; paddle to Clair, NB (Historical Site). Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI.

Sunday, August 17th:

  • 3 Borders Hiking Trip, Rivière-Bleue, NB. Guided hike on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Rivière-Bleue. Hike through the 3 borders to St-François (Glazier Lake). Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI.

  • 3 Borders Hiking Trip, St. Francois, NB. Guided 25k hike on forest trails. Depart: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic) from Glazier Lake in St. François. Hike to the 3 borders and return. Cost: $10; includes transportation. Contact Jean Lebrun (418-893-1033) or info1@routedesfrontieres.com FMI.

  • Songwriters Circle Without Borders featuring four talented singer-songwriters on one stage.  Representing Maine are Denny Breau and JoséVachon with Caroline Savoie and Danny Bourreau from New Brunswick. Performances will be held at 9:00 p.m. Atlantic Time at the Pavillon MultiMEDIA in Edmundston and Monday, August 18th at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at the Fox Theater at the University of Maine in Fort Kent.  Admission is free.

There are many more events going on in relation to the World Acadian Congress. We hope you'll enjoy some of them!

Thanks to the Offugo Outdoor Calendar for assembling much of this information.

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