OQUOSSOC — The Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association will host its 17th annual Outdoor Sporting Heritage Day on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the clubhouse on Old Skiway Road.

“A celebration of Maine’s sporting life,” as members call the day, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Day organizer Elaine Holcombe said in a news report.

The event, which is modeled after an old-fashioned frontier rendezvous, features fishing, hunting and trapping with 25 sporting and conservation exhibitors, as well as educational lectures, archery and shotgun demonstrations and activities for youngsters.

There is no admission charge and parking is free.

The event focuses on Rangeley’s rich outdoor sporting heritage, Holcombe said.

It will also “help residents and visitors gain a fuller appreciation for the sporting traditions and rich history of the region,” she said.

A Maine Primitive Skills School will be held to provide and preserve ancient survival skills that promote awareness and self-sufficiency with an emphasis on individuals, communities and environments in today’s world. 

The group will alternate two programs every hour for the public: Wilderness Awareness and Identifying Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants, focusing on plants which can be found on the clubhouse property.

Thirteen-year-old Sam Kenney, a rising star among fly tiers who has won several competitions, will offer personal instruction to youngsters who would like to learn to tie flies.

New this year is a special presentation in the clubhouse by children’s author Beverly White-Adams. She has written several books showcasing her dog, Rusty.

Falcon handler Larry Barnes will do a presentation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. about his peregrine falcon’s behavior and diet, Holcombe said. That will be held upstairs in the Guides Building.

Also new is Tim Caverly, author of Allagash Tails.

“He does a wonderful job, telling his stories about the scenic Allagash River, capturing the imaginations of the youngsters present,” Holcombe said.

Canton taxidermist Denis Doucette, who operates Skull Works, will explain how he prepares animal skulls for sale.

For people who love to rock hunt, Treasure Hunterz, a new group, will display unique rock and mineral products of Maine.

Author Steve Pinkham will share some interesting history about his newest book, “Old Tales of the Maine Woods.” In his 300-page book are reprints of dozens of Maine Woods stories, originally published between 1849 and 1913.

Demonstrations and hands-on instruction in archery and shooting will be available. The Rangeley Trap and Skeet Club will host trapping and sporting clay shooting demonstrations at its nearby range.

Qualified club members will provide hands-on instruction for youngsters in gun handling and safety. Laser shot will again be offered upstairs in the clubhouse.

Dick Moore will do canine demonstrations of field trial work on land and in the water.

Children can also try their hand at fishing the association’s children’s trout pond, which will be stocked by the state in the morning.

Pond safari will also involve youngsters capturing invertebrates that serve as food for the trout. After catching them, they will identify them and the features that enable them to survive in the aquatic world.

Chris Botka and his Maine Mountain Maple Syrup trailer will demonstrate the sugaring process.

“If you like wood boats, Bob Bassett of Kimball Pond Boat Barn will have several of his restorations available for you to drool over,” Holcombe said.

Pine Grove Lodge and Cabins and Maine Guide Snowshoes are also returning. Holcome said attendees should ask owners Bob and Andrea Howe about their unique programs for veterans.

Event activities will be accompanied by the Welsh sounds of Tim Sullivan’s bagpipe.

“This is a must-see event for any outdoor enthusiast,” Holcombe said. “Bring your children and come enjoy some real Maine outdoor sporting heritage.”

For more information about the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association, visit www.rangeleyoutdoors.com.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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