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The High Peaks Alliance dunk booth at the Outdoor Heritiage Festival, held at the Farmington Fairgrounds in June, raised $1,070 for the Rangeley Region Guides’ and Sportsmen’s Association’s Junior Guide Program. Courtesy of Scott Landry

RANGELEY — On Thursday, Aug. 21, at its most recent monthly potluck supper, the Rangeley Region Guides’ & Sportsmen’s Association (RRG&SA) welcomed representatives from the High Peaks Alliance, who presented a check for $1,070 in support of the Association’s Junior Maine Guides program. The funds were raised during the High Peaks Outdoor Heritage Festival, which featured the Maine Moose Lottery, through a dunk tank fundraiser.

The dunk tank, held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the festival, featured an all-star lineup of local “hotshots” and public officials who volunteered to take the plunge, including Kris MacCabe, Maine Game Warden; Richard Caton IV, Rangeley Police Chief; Ken Charles, Farmington Police Chief; and Judy Camuso, Maine IFW Commissioner.

The Junior Maine Guides program, now in its 29th year, is essential for teaching young people about Rangeley’s outdoor heritage. The program’s core curriculum covers Maine mammals and insects, fly fishing, and watercraft safety through hands-on activities and expert instruction. Participants aged 9 to 10 join the basic program, which prepares them for advanced training in areas like law enforcement, shooting sports, and nature photography for ages 11 to 13. With a limited number of spots, the program maintains a high-quality experience and has graduated over 300 students.

“This donation will help RRG&SA  to continue our youth outreach at no charge to our youth and their families. The community support we receive is very much appreciated, and we thank all those volunteers who took the ”dunk” and the Alliance for donating their funds to our Junior Guides Program, ” said Sonny Pierce, President of RRG&SA.

“The High Peaks region’s outdoor legacy depends on programs like the Junior Maine Guides. We’re honored to support the next generation stewards who will carry forward Maine’s outdoor traditions,” stated Amanda Laliberte, director of engagement of the Alliance. “This dunk tank fundraiser was a fantastic way to raise awareness about the program.”

The Alliance & the RRG&SA also extend a heartfelt thank you to the dunk tank volunteers.

For more information about the Alliance, upcoming community programs, or ways to get involved, visit highpeaksalliance.org.

For more information about the RRG&SA, or ways to get involved, visit rrgsa.org.