BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Saturday saw the first round of Maine’s skijor circuit, kicking off in Bangor and featuring 44 professional and novice teams.
This marks the Queen City’s second year hosting one of Maine’s three races. It was brought in by Skijor Bangor organizer Jodi MacGregor.
“When Skowhegan started it, I was there at the very first one and fell in love with it. I think 10-ish years ago, and they have just built on it,” recounts MacGregor. “Topsham picked it up five or six years ago, and then I came on board to make it a circuit so we could do a Triple Crown.”
Skijoring, or having a reindeer or horse pull you on skis, originally came out of Central Asia thousands of years ago. Derived from the Norwegian word snörekjöring, the practice was first used as a mode of transportation.
Nowadays, it has transformed into a highly competitive equestrian sport.
“With the horse and rider pulling a skier, it’s an 1,000 foot track,” MacGregor describes. “Pros have to navigate gates and jumps and grab rings around the down the track and go over rollers at the end.”
Horseback rider Brighton Sawyer summarizes the sport as “where the horsepower meets the hang time!”
For participants saddled up or strapped in skis, the experience can be described as “pure adrenaline.”
“It’s really kind of cool because it does bring two communities together, right?” comments skier Matt Lush. “So, you got the horse community, you got the skiing community.”
Orono resident Zoe Maltese says this is her first year skijoring.
“I’ve been skiing and riding horses my whole life. It’s like the perfect sport for me, you know?” Maltese explains. “It’s both of them, both the things I love and it’s just super cool.”
On frigid days like Saturday, skijoring brings the community together, giving people a reason to celebrate the season.
Despite the low temperatures, Saturday’s skijor competition saw a high attendance.
“Because it’s something different,” MacGregor cites for the excitement. “And in the middle of the winter, I think at this point, people want to get outside and get some fresh air and get off the couch, so, and it’s exciting to watch!”
Whether it be cheering on successful ring grabs and jumps or supporting skiers who fall, Lush says it’s the high energy horsepower that rev crowds up.
“Mainers are hardy people. They want to get out and they want to have fun,” comments Lush. “They want to see something kind of crazy, and that’s what we’re giving them!”
MacGregor adds that the creation of the circuit not only brings the sport of skijor to more places, but it also elongates the season for competitors.
The skijor spree is just getting started in Maine!
Next week, the circuit moves to Topsham.
The week after will see the Triple Crown, hosted at Skowhegan Fairgrounds.
Copyright 2026 WABI. All rights reserved.
Join Girl Scouts of Maine for a sweet summer stop you won’t want to miss!
We’re popping up at local ice cream shops around Maine for our Ice Cream Socials—fun, casual events where families can enjoy a free treat and learn more about Girl Scouts.
Here’s what to expect:
🍦 One FREE kid-sized cone per family when you stop by and connect with us
🌱 Hands-on activity for kids (like a planting activity or fidget spinner craft)
💬 A chance to chat with our team and learn how Girl Scouts builds confidence, friendships, and unforgettable experiences
Whether you’re curious about joining, looking for activities for your child, or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, we’d love to meet you!
✨ Open to all families—no registration required. Just stop by, say hello, and enjoy some ice cream with us.
The Saco Scoop
05:30 PM – 07:30 PM on Tue, 14 Jul 2026
The recent rain in Maine is easing the drought that parts of the state have been experiencing since the fall.
Scott Dean, a Spectrum meteorologist, said much of Maine has been at least “dry” for several months. Parts of the state, including Portland, Bangor and Bar Harbor, are under a “moderate” drought.
Much of the country is also experiencing a drought, Dean added. The Southeast is seeing extreme levels of drought, and the West coast has been under a drought for years. There are many factors that go into this, including climate change, weather patterns like El Niño and La Niña and other factors.
And, when an area does experience drought, it can become a feedback loop. With less moisture in the ground and atmosphere, the drought can “feed upon itself,” Dean said.
“It takes a while to get into a drought and it also takes a while to get out of one,” Dean said.
But, the rainy days in Maine have been alleviating the drought, Dean said. And, the trend is likely to continue — the forecast is predicting above average levels of precipitation for the next three to four weeks.
“Hopefully, we are continuing to head in the right direction as the drought has eased in these areas,” Dean said.
In fact, if these rains do continue, Maine could come out of the drought sometime this summer.
Craig Joseph Ahlemeyer
STANDISH – Craig J. Ahlemeyer, 48 of Standish, passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, June 13, 2026.A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 27 th at Standish Congregational Church, 25 Oak Hill Road in Standish. A reception will follow.To see Craig’s full obituary, share a memory or leave the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.athutchins.com.
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