Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Good food and a festive theme proved the winning combination for the Northeastland Hotel and Bonanza restaurant, who were named the winner of the People’s Choice Award during the annual Street Fair, held during the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest earlier this year.
Making the announcement recently was Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Theresa Fowler, noting participants turned out in large numbers, despite inclement weather for this year’s event.
“Given the weather Saturday evening (the event took place Aug. 29), we were pleased with the attendance. We sold 280 tickets (individuals with tickets who visited various vendors were eligible for prizes). I’d estimate we had 500-600 people on the street; and there were at least 100 who took part in the ‘street’ dance at the Presque Isle Rec Center,” said Fowler.
A number of businesses and vendors used the opportunity to show off their wares to those who ventured downtown to take part in the annual festivities. The Northeastland and Bonanza teamed up again this year, treating visitors to their booth to a taste of Mexican cuisine.
“The theme was ‘Mexican’ this year. It provided a fun, festive atmosphere,” said Fowler.
As the People’s Choice Award winner, the Northeastland and Bonanza shared a monetary award. Presenting the award recently to Robin Doody, general manager of the Northeastland, and George Harris, manager, Bonanza, were Mary Lawrence, of the Street Fair Committee, and Fowler.
Fowler said in addition to a vendor being selected as People’s Choice, an individual also is selected to receive a prize.
“In addition, we choose a person from those who voted and they receive a gift certificate from one of the participating businesses,” said Fowler. Fowler did not identify this year’s winner, who received a gift certificate from Bonanza.
Plans are already being made for next year.
“The Saturday of the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest will fall on Aug. 28, 2010. The Chamber hosts the festival and Street Fair each year. We’re already making plans and look forward to all the fun that’s associated with the weekend,” said Fowler.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD, voted on during this year’s Street Fair, held during the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, was won by the Northeastland Hotel and Bonanza Restaurant. Pictured, from left: Mary Lawrence, Street Fair Committee; Robin Doody, manager, Northeastland; George Harris, manager, Bonanza; and Theresa Fowler, executive director, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce.
