PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Last Thursday’s street fair on Main Street in Presque Isle, which kicked off the 10th annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, was just “beach-y” as residents were able to forego their umbrellas and have an enjoyable evening.
With a theme of “A Day at the Beach,” many Main Street merchants created a seaside atmosphere complete with sand, beach chairs and beach balls, and some offered special beach foods and merchandise.
Though earlier weather forecasts predicted showers and a possible thunderstorm, the weather held until after the street fair, which was hosted by the Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954.
“In terms of the weather, the turnout, the enthusiasm and the variety of things going on, I think this is the best one ever,” said Alan Harding, esteemed leading knight of the Elks Lodge and street fair chair. “I think we saw about 2,000 people on the street at one time or another.”
“We had about 10 downtown merchants participate,” said Harding, “and there were also a number of civic organizations and other groups that took part, as well, including the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee’s subcommittee which is involved in a Healthy Main Street project, and the SAD 1 Music Boosters.”
While most of Elks’ other events are free of charge, Harding said they did sell food at this year’s street fair.
“This was our major fundraiser for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program,” he said. “We sold shaved ice, popcorn, hamburgers and hot dogs, and all of the proceeds go to the children’s cancer program. Star City IGA also donated as many watermelons as we could serve — free of charge — though we did accept donations for slices of watermelon.
“We also gave away school supplies,” said Harding. “Kids were offered the opportunity to participate in a variety of games, including a ‘duck pond,’ where they chose a duck which had a number on the bottom of it, and that number corresponded with a particular range of prizes. We had everything from a backpack to a notebook … all things that kids would need as they prepare to go back to school.”
Main Street was closed to vehicles from 4-10 p.m., while the actual street fair was held from 5-9 p.m.
In addition to the offerings by Main Street merchants, live musical entertainment was provided by the Grinn Brothers, a popular local trio comprised of Mel Smith, Frank Grant and Ira Dyer. Live music was also featured at KMH Music.
Governor’s Restaurant had a booth at the corner of State and Main where Tony and Sherry Sullivan sold lobster rolls. The restaurant also hosted a blueberry pie eating contest for children ages 10 and under. Farther down the street, Wilder’s Jewelry held a pizza eating contest, featuring Big Cheese pizza, for those ages 11 and older.
TAMC held a “Spuddy Recovery Triathlon” competition on Main Street between State and Hall streets, while members of the Presque Isle Fire Department were on hand with their fire safety house and ladder truck on display.
Bounce houses, a remote-controlled car demonstration, a magic show and a dunking booth were also part of the annual street fair.
“These events build on themselves,” said Harding. “You have to be consistent year to year trying to recruit maybe one more attraction and one more merchant — without losing any — and build on what you had the year before. We’ve been doing that and we continue to receive loyal support from the downtown businesses.
“We don’t have enough community events in Presque Isle where the entire community can come out and intermingle and have an enjoyable evening for the family,” he said. “This — without question — is a family event with attractions for everyone … toddlers to adults. This has been a wonderful event and I couldn’t be happier.”
