Fort Kent, ME (Tuesday, January 27, 2004) - The residents of Fort Kent will roll out the red carpet during the 2004 Biathlon World Cup from March 3 through March 6, according to Donna Plourde, executive director of the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce. "We are excited that Fort Kent will be hosting visitors from throughout the world for this very special event," Plourde said. "Not only will we be hosting the World Cup at the 10th Mountain Ski Center, we will also offer all kinds of entertainment during that week."

According to Plourde, volunteers from throughout the entire Fort Kent region have been working for months to plan special events, including the Banff Film Festival and a special music festival.

"There will be music, bands, dancing, food, arts and craft shows, entertainment and cultural events highlighting the Acadian history of this region," Plourde said. "We don't think there has ever been anything in Fort Kent like what we are planning."

As for the competition, the biathlon combines the physically demanding sport of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle marksmanship. The biathlon is the most popular winter sport in Europe, and more than 20 million Europeans regularly watch biathlon competition on television.

"We hear that more than 20,000 spectators often pack outdoor stadiums to watch this exciting event," Plourde said. "For that reason, we expect at least 5,000 people a day will be watching the competition at the ski center."

In fact, Plourde and her committees believe more than 30,000 will attend the competition and special events planned during that time. Many will attend the well-known Banff Film Festival that will be held at the University of Maine and other entertainment will be featured in many different venues from noon through midnight.

"The World Cup biathlon competition will be held during the morning hours so most people will be on the mountain at that time," Plourde said. "But when they come back to town for a good time, we want to offer an experience they will never forget."

"We are hustling to ensure we put on a good show," Plourde said. "We want people to come, have a great time and want to come back.

Plourde said there are still plenty of rooms available during the World Cup competition, but suggests booking as soon as possible.