Now that we’re well into the new year, it’s time to start thinking about outdoor-related events that’ll keep us busy through the rest of the winter.
And while there’s plenty to do outside — ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and the like — there are plenty of indoor options over the coming weeks as well.
For many outdoor vendors, the winter months constitute “show season,” with new customers to impress across the state (and the region). Though most Maine shows won’t take place for several weeks, it’s never too early to start planning.
More than a few local fly fishers likely headed to Marlborough, Massachusetts, for last weekend’s Fly Fishing Show, and it won’t be too long before outdoors events start cropping up here in Maine.
Closer to home, the local show season kicks off with the Penobscot Fly Fishers’ annual Cabin Fever Reliever. The show will be staged March 2-3 at the Brewer Auditorium.
The show is smaller than those that follow, but offers a relaxed environment with an educational focus. A variety of hunting, fishing and outdoor exhibitors will attend, as will the BDN Outdoors crew. Show hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 2 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 3.
Admission is free.
After that, the focus will turn to the bigger shows, with events in Orono, Augusta and Presque Isle on tap.
While the Orono-based Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show has often followed just a week after the Cabin Fever Reliever, this year’s Orono show will take place two weeks later, March 15-17, at the University of Maine’s New Balance Field House, Memorial Gym and Wallace Pool.
The extra week between shows may pay dividends for the Penobscot County Conservation Association’s 81st edition of the Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show. The reason: No competition from the Professional Bull Riders event that has likely drawn would-be sportsmen’s show attendees over the past few years.
This year, the PBR tour will fill Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for three days during the off week: March 8, 9 and 10.
The full slate of shows continues a week after the Orono event, when the Bangor Boat Show is staged at the Cross Insurance Center.
That show runs March 21-23.
That same weekend, attention up north will turn to the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club’s popular sportsman’s show, which will mark its 20th year.
The two-day show runs March 23-24 and will be held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
The traditional show season wraps up March 29-31 at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, which will be held at the Augusta Civic Center.
And after that, with another winter behind us, it’ll be time to think about finding a place to go open-water fishing.
