PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — An art walk, yard sales, a parade and a strawberry shortcake sale are on the agenda for the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, with officials preparing for a busy month in June.
First Friday Art Walk
Activities for the month kick off in earnest on Friday, June 6, with the First Friday Art Walk in Presque Isle. The Wintergreen Arts Center will feature the art work of local children and entertainment by folk musician Jacob Augustine. Other venues will be hosting events, though details were still in the works at presstime.
Area-Wide Yard Sale
On Saturday, June 7, businesses and residents alike will take part in the annual Area-Wide Yard Sale. This is a great time to pick up a deal, find clothing for that ever-growing child, acquire more books for your home library, or locate whatever item it is you need. Maps listing participants can be picked up at the CACC office on the Houlton Road or at area businesses, including grocery stores and banks.
Shriners’ Parade
Chamber officials are currently assisting the Anah Shriners with the upcoming June Ceremonial Parade, aiding with the civic participation aspect of this Shriners’ event, which is slated to take place on Saturday, June 21. This year’s Ceremonial will honor Tom Clukey, a local businessman and longtime Shrine member who passed away last year.
“Participating as a civic member would be a great way to recognize Tom’s contributions to this community. We hope you can join us,” said Lynette Fredereck, executive assistant at the CACC.
Lineup will begin at 1:15 p.m. for the CACC-sponsored parade at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s south parking lot. The parade will kick off at 2 p.m. and proceed to the Forum at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.
“Please display signs clearly and boldly stating the name of your business, organization or club,” said Frederick.
Frederick said those interested in entering the event must inform the CACC of “what you will enter into the parade and the size of the unit you are entering by June 17, so that we may begin compiling the line-up.”
Strawberry Shortcake Sale
A traditional favorite will be sold again this year, during the Strawberry Shortcake Sale, on Thursday, June 26.
“There’s no better way to kick off the start of summer than sinking your teeth into some juicy strawberries, whipped cream and fluffy biscuits. Get ready, because it’s time for our annual Strawberry Shortcake Day,” said CACC Executive Director Theresa Fowler. “The CACC is pleased to make this delicious offer available to you and your employees.”
“On June 26, people will be seen with satisfied smiles on their faces from Mars Hill to Caribou and Easton to Ashland,” she said.
CACC board members and friends will be making, selling and delivering their famous desserts throughout the day.
“With the assistance of KFC/Taco Bell providing their scrumptious biscuits as a base, the crew will be building their great shortcakes at their North Street location again this year,” said Fowler.
Shortcakes will be sold for $3.50 apiece this year, with funds going toward the agency’s operating costs. Orders must be placed with the Chamber by Friday, June 13.
“You can also come to North Street Plaza (by the old KeyBank drive-through building and TAMC’s walk-in clinic) between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and pick up this tasty summer treat,” said Fowler.
Can’t get out of the office? Fowler said that’s not a problem.
“If your business is located in Presque Isle, Easton, Mars Hill, Mapleton, Caribou or Fort Fairfield, we’ll even bring them to you. With an order of 10 or more tasty shortcakes, we’ll deliver them to your business between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on June 26, rain or shine!” said Fowler. Locations outside city limits have specific delivery times.
“The CACC has been hosting this fundraiser for a number of years. It has become known as a sign that summer is here. For the past two years, although we have increased our capacity, we have sold out. So make sure to pre-order early,” said Fowler.
For more information on any of these events or to sign up for the Shriners’ parade or Strawberry Shortcake Sale, call 764-6561, fax 764-1583 or email info@centralaroostookchamber.com.
