Third annual Home and Recreation Show

a ‘chili’ success

 

    Alexis Mansfield, the three-and-a-half-year-old daughter of Rebecca Miller, of Presque Isle, enjoyed the popcorn, visiting with the fireman and having her face painted at the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club’s Home and Recreation Show on Saturday, April 17. Here, she pauses for the camera as she samples her treat.

    PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Kiwanis Club continued its celebration of a major milestone — its 60th anniversary — with the newly-named Home and Recreation Show April 17 and 18 at the Forum. 

    The two-day event brought dozens of exhibitors together to show off their wares and answer questions posed by inquisitive visitors.
    “Saturday morning was busy,” said LaNiece Winslow, Kiwanis Club vice president.
    Winslow said she worked the show opening day and was pleased with public response.
    “I thought it went well. We were down a few vendors from last year, largely due to the economy. They told us they’d love to be here but budget cuts prevented them from doing so,” she said, noting those who participated brought a variety of merchandise and information, from campers, tractors and ATVs, to Amish baked goods, chili, fire prevention data and safety tips.
    Representatives of The Aroostook Medical Center’s Lifeline Program were on hand to provide information about the services it offers. Lifeline participates in the show every year.
    “We always enjoy participating in the Home and Recreation Show, as it allows the public to see first-hand the comfort and reassurance that Lifeline provides for their loved ones. It also brings peace of mind to those who utilize the service knowing that help is on the way with a push of their button,” said Melanie Cullins, Lifeline supervisor.
    Cullins said one of the biggest benefits of Lifeline is it allows people to remain in their homes independently while having the security that help is on the way when they need it.
    Nancy Chandler was on hand Saturday, educating the public on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and promoting the Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum.
    “We’re beginning the museum design stage of the work at the old Radio Shack site in downtown Caribou,” said Chandler. “It’s exciting to see progress being made.”
    Members of the Presque Isle fire police departments were on hand as well, providing safety information and giving demonstrations with the PIFD’s ‘fire’ trailer — a mobile home set up to simulate conditions of a home fire, complete with fake smoke. Firefighter Adam Rider and Sgt. Mark Barnes, PIPD, were kept busy on Saturday, giving demonstrations and answering questions.
    “I’ve given a few tours (of the trailer),” said Rider.
    “Kids and their parents have been checking out the safety tips,” added Barnes.
    Clarence McLaughlin, of Limestone, said he dropped his wife and a friend off at the mall and decided he and a friend would check out the show.
    “It’s an excellent show — a lot of vendors. All the equipment on display is up to par, prices are reasonable and the vendors are very polite and informative,” said McLaughlin.
    When asked what his favorite exhibit was, McLaughlin said it was definitely the campers.
    “I like the RVs. I’m retired and would like to travel someday. They’re all so spacious and have all the comforts of home. I could see myself traveling in one,” McLaughlin said.
    The third annual MOJO Chili Challenge was a hit this year.
    “It’s just so much fun. We had nine entries this year,” said Penny McHatten, Chili Challenge organizer.
    Chili was sold for $5 per bowl, with all proceeds going to the American Lung Association of Maine via the Trek Across Maine. No dollar figure for the amount raised was available at presstime.
    This year’s winner was a newcomer to the competition.
    “A late-comer to the competition heard about the challenge on the radio and brought up a batch. Wade Bright had the hottest chili — by far the hands-down winner,” she said. “The Presque Isle Rotary Club had won the past two challenges. They didn’t enter this year — lost their title to a newcomer.”
    McHatten said she was pleased with the exhibit.
    “We had a lot of fun again this year. We were in a different corner, with access to running water. It was a good setup,” said McHatten.
    Plans are already being made for next year’s show. For more information on the organization, visit online at: pikiwanisclub.homestead.com.

    The Caribou Children’s Discovery Museum booth combined information on the planned facility with data on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day at this year’s Kiwanis Show at the Forum in Presque Isle April 17 and 18. Pictured, from left: Nancy Chandler, who is in charge of the museum project; Haley Smith, who will receive her Gold Award in Scouting for working on the booth; Bill Thomas; and Jim Chandler.

 

    Offering safety tips at this year’s Kiwanis Show were PIFD’s Adam Rider and PIPD’s Sgt. Mark Barnes.

 

    Nine entries competed for the title of hottest chili at this year’s Home and Rec Show, with Wade Bright taking the title this year. All money raised from the third annual MOJO Chili Challenge goes to the American Lung Association of Maine, via the Trek Across Maine. Pictured serving a bowl of chili is Kyle Washington, with Loretta Harmon at right.

 

    of Fort Fairfield, was one of the most popular exhibits at this year’s Home and Rec Show, hosted by the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club. From hand-made baskets to candles and bread, the Amish display received a lot of attention on April 17.

 

    Clarence McLaughlin, of Limestone, was pleased to stand by his favorite exhibit at this year’s Home and Recreation Show, sponsored by the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club.