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By Diana Bowley of the Bangor Daily News - GREENVILLE — One is repulsive and the other is revered, but both are part of the ritual of spring. ’Tis the season for black flies and wandering moose. While residents in the Moosehead Lake region would hardly celebrate the arrival of black flies, they do hail the return of moose from their wintering hardwood spots with their annual Moose Mainea celebration. "It’s a way to celebrate our most famous local residents," said Bob Hamer, executive director of the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, on Wednesday. Hamer said the monthlong event coincides with the moose watching season. In the past 10 days, moose have been seen frequently along the roadsides, just in time for Moose Mainea, which starts Saturday. Events scheduled for Saturday include the Moose River Canoe and Kayak Race, a 7.5-mile paddle from Brassua Lake to Moosehead Lake. A free pre-race breakfast will be served, starting at 7:30 a.m., and registration will begin at 8 a.m. at Rockwood Community Center. The race will begin at 11 a.m., sponsored by the Moosehead Lake Vacation and Sportsman’s Association. For additional information on this event, call Brent Bridge at 848-5125. A townwide yard sale will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, sponsored by the Greenville Housing Committee. Homes participating will display bright signs, according to the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce. Children up to age 15 may participate in the All-American Fishing Derby at Pit Pond. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. It is sponsored by the Greenville Recreation Department. A moose photo contest — with a June 8 deadline for entries — and the traditional moose map that lists the location of moose seen in the region, displayed in the office of the Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, also are part of the celebration. Other events held in honor of moose include a moosterpiece craft fair, a Moose Mainea children’s fun day and moose tales, and a slide show and talk about moose, all on June 16. More information about these events can be obtained by calling the Chamber at 695-2702. |