On January 31, Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson will host the fifth annual Liberal Cup Biathlon. All ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate.

Biathlon is an Olympic sport that combines cross-country skiing and target shooting. The Liberal Cup Biathlon is a twist on that classic event. Racers can compete in self-selected skill categories, they can compete in teams of four, and everyone is encouraged to compete in costume.

If you don’t have cross-country ski equipment, you can still participate. Racers will be able to rent skis, boots and poles for free, thanks to the Maine Winter Sports Center, as long as supplies last. All air rifles are provided by the Southern Maine Biathlon club, and each racer will receive safety training on how to use the rifle.

Races will begin about 9 a.m. and continue into the early afternoon. All day long there will be bonfires, great food, and something on tap from the Liberal Cup. Spectators are encouraged. 

Registration fees range from $10 to $25. Categories are mostly based on self-selected skill levels, but there are also special categories for youth racers. Awards will be given out for best costume, best team name, and for youth and high school aged participants. The winning team will take home the official Liberal Cup trophy.

More details and registration information available online at http://hvnc.org/biathlon-2/. Registration is limited, and spots are filling quickly. Don’t delay! If you’re not interested in racing, please consider volunteering. If you’re interested, contact Andy (andy@hvnc.org, or 207-200-8840).

HVNC is one of four organizations merging on January 1, 2016 to create Midcoast Conservancy, a new organization whose mission is: to support and promote healthy lands, waters, wildlife, and people in the mid-coast through conservation, education, and recreation. Midcoast Conservancy will serve much of Waldo and Lincoln counties, providing over 60 miles of publicly accessible trails, fields trips and programs designed to help people of all ages deepen their curiosity of the natural world, and 6,300 acres of conserved land that are open to the public for non-motorized recreation.

For more information, visit HVNC’s website (www.hvnc.org), write to us at info@hvnc.org, or call 207-200-8840.