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By Diana Bowley, Of the NEWS Staff - GREENVILLE — Moose sightings in the Moosehead Lake region are fairly common during the spring as the animals frequent roadsides to lick the salt left over from winter road maintenance. The Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce celebrates the return of these huge animals from their winter habitat with its annual MooseMainea event. Activities planned for the celebration through June 8 include the Tour de Moose mountain bike race, a rowing regatta, a family fun day, moose safaris and tours, a photo contest and a moose exhibit. "MooseMainea is in honor of the moose; it's our number one resident," Sarah Holman, executive director of the Chamber, said this week. In addition to her normal duties this time of year, Holman serves as a census taker of sorts for the moose population. She provides a map of the region in the visitors center and encourages travelers to indicate with a pushpin where they observed the animals. To date, the majority of moose has been observed in the boggy area next to the Department of Transportation garage off Route 15 in Shirley, Holman said. For those who want to see a moose in the wild, perhaps the Tour de Moose mountain bike race or a moose safari might be of interest. This year's bike race will be held June 1 on Big Moose Mountain in Big Moose Township and June 2 on Mount Kineo in Rockwood. Each course is 15 to 19 miles of riding up, down and around well-marked, challenging trails. "It's a pretty rugged trail," Holman said. Businessman Henry Gilbert has laid out and marked the trails. A shorter course is designed for youngsters and those who simply want a pleasure ride, she said. Through the month, local guides will offer moose safaris and tours, and the Chamber will offer a photo contest of moose, other wildlife and scenery and a moose exhibit in the visitors center. The 13th annual rowing regatta on Moosehead Lake will be held June 8. Holman said the 4.5-mile open-water triangular course offers not only fun but also prizes for the competitors. On the same day, the family fun day will be conducted downtown. This will include a Mooseterpiece Craft Fair and children's games and activities, all from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. "This year we're trying to have the children's games more organized," Holman said. There is no charge to participate and more emphasis will be placed on team sports, she said. The day will end with Moosetales, which offers moose-calling demonstrations, a slide show and samples of moose meat. More information on these events is available by calling the Chamber at 695-2702. |