It might not feel like spring outside just yet, but the L.L. Bean Spring Sports Weekend at the flagship store in Freeport is a sure sign that the new season is on its way.
Additional proof will come in the form of the "tent city" campsite, which will be set up in Discovery Park from Friday through Sunday.
"The tent city will be really neat because there will be an interactive display with all sorts of equipment specific to each kind of outdoor activity," said Mac McKeever, senior public relations representative at L.L. Bean. "For instance, we will have a family camping setup as well as canoe camping and another for backpacking. We'll also have an ultra-light camping site, which is a very minimalist site for someone who is doing a lot of hiking. There will also be biking and kayaking campsites."
All of the camping setups will be open for visitors to explore -- inside and out.
Packing up a campsite might not be a favorite activity, but you can put your skills to the test in the sleeping-bag stuff sack competition, held at 1 p.m. each day. Prizes will be awarded to the quickest stuffers.
Representatives from the Center for Wildlife from Cape Neddick will be on the Discovery Patio on Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. Visitors can meet some of the center's animals and learn about their natural habitats. On Saturday, the workshop will focus on how animals, plants and people are connected. The owls will be on center stage on Sunday with tips offered on how to spot them in the wild.
The weekend will be a great time to introduce the family to geocaching, an outdoor game that uses a hand-held GPS unit and navigation coordinates to locate a hidden treasure. The newest gadgets, gear and experts will be on hand to teach you how to play. Geocaching activities will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the Discovery Patio. And if you are a gadget fan, there is an adventure technology workshop at 2 p.m. both days that will feature more of the latest outdoor gadgets.
For those looking for a low-tech (and cheaper) option for navigating the outdoors, a workshop to learn how to use a map and compass will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Biking is a great way to get the family outdoors and learning the basic bike safety checks before each ride will ensure it will be a much more enjoyable experience. A bike check workshop with tips on changing a flat tire will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Bike, Boat & Ski Store. The workshop will include the "ABC Bike Check" and tips on how to remove a tire, take the tube out, diagnose causes and discuss options for how to fix a flat. A bike safety clinic with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine will also be held Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m.
For anglers, Friday night will feature a fly-tying clinic at 7 p.m. Participants will learn how to tie the "Adams." Participants can bring their own tools and equipment but some will be available for all attendees to share as well.
Live catch-and-release demonstrations will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at noon at the indoor trout pond in the flagship store.
McKeever hopes people will leave the store looking forward to warmer weather.
"This weekend is a celebration of spring and warm weather," he said. "We host this event in hopes that we can empower people to get outdoors and enjoy these activities."
L.L. BEAN SPRING SPORTS WEEKEND
WHEN: Friday to Sunday, April 8-10
WHERE: L.L. Bean flagship store, Freeport
HOW MUCH: Free
FOOD OPTIONS: There's plenty of variety in Freeport village
PARKING: Freeport's downtown parking lots, on the street and in the free garage
DON'T MISS: The tent city
KID-FRIENDLY FACTOR: Great
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER: Rain or shine event
MORE INFO: www.llbean.com
Originally published in the Maine Sunday Telegram April 3, 2011
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