An Updated Shopping Spree

    (Note: This is a re-write of an article written in October 2006. The original article is written in regular print. The additions to this article, which reflect the changes in our downtown since then, are italicized).     How well do you know the Star City’s downtown? Let’s go on a shopping spree …
    You’ll want a haircut and manicure to start, of course. Then, a cup of coffee (to go, of course) would be good. You probably want to go to the bank to get some money at this point, so you can really shop a lot. Across the street, you’ll pick out a comfy couch and next door a big screen TV for hubby. Hmm, maybe you’ll learn to play an instrument, after you update your life insurance policy. You may also want to take some of your jewelry in to get it repaired. Next, you can sign the contract for that new lakefront property you just purchased and pick up the tickets for February’s trip to Florida. Of course, you’re going to want to buy some special outfits for your trip, too. You buy some lovely outfits right down on Main Street.
    Oops! Don’t forget to pick up that personal gift for your best friend’s birthday! The hardest part of that is to make a decision regarding which thing to buy – there are so many options! You might even want to frame a picture of yourself to give your friend!
    While you’re down there, notice the lovely snowflake lights on the electrical poles, or take a sniff of the delightful flowers in the barrels that adorn the sidewalks. Notice the new sign for the parking lot, as well. If you’re tired, you can even rest on one of the benches and watch people pass by. You’ll probably know many of them.
    Time for lunch. A sandwich or a slice of pizza might sound tasty. Of, if you would like to just sit and relax and eat a quiet, leisurely lunch, you can do that now, too. Now you have time to buy a new pair of diamond earrings or a gold bracelet to go with that new outfit you just bought! You may even need to lease a truck from Kirk to get it all home! And, if you have a headache after all that, you can pick up a bottle of aspirin. Of you can just go watch a movie and relax. You’ve had quite a day!
    Can you name all the places mentioned in this article? If not, you might want to go on a real shopping spree downtown to find these goods and services.
    Next time you’re in town, do us all a favor … look around and see the many products and services we have to offer. Support your local merchants. Shop local, shop downtown. Downtown Presque Isle has it all.
We welcome your thoughts and opinions. It’s your city. We need your input in order to make it better. You can e-mail us at pidrc@yahoo.com or write us at: The Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee, 411 Main St., Presque Isle, Maine 04769.
    For more information about the PIDRC, e-mail us at pidrc@yahoo.com or call Sandy Gauvin (764-0876), Cathy Beaulieu at Wilder’s Jewelry Store (764-0309), or Patty LeBlanc (769-7731), or you can contact us at the address listed above.
    We meet at the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce on the Houlton Road at 7:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Please join in our efforts to help our wonderful city.
The Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee is an ad hoc committee of the Presque Isle City Council