Maine Quebec Caravan celebrates 55th annual trek
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Forty-one riders departed Friday, Feb. 10 from Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage Lake for Quebec City in what was the 55th anniversary of the Maine Quebec Winter Carnival Caravan. The participating riders first met at 6 a.m. for a sendoff breakfast at Dean’s with a scheduled departure time of 7:30 a.m.
The room was filled with chatter and anticipation during the breakfast. Caravan committee member Sarah Brooks set up a display table of mementos of caravans past with items such as photographs, banners, pins and sashes. Each rider was given a bag with a lapel pin, passes to the carnival and a Maine Quebec Caravan 55th anniversary history book especially made to commemorate this 55th year of the caravan, courtesy of The Aroostook Medical Center.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Brooks
FORTY-ONE RIDERS participated in the 2012 Maine Quebec Winter Carnival Caravan in February. This year marked the 55th year of the caravan.
Led by “Trail master” Jimmy Dumond of Portage Lake, along with his wife, Betty, and friend, Jan Cyr-Cormier, the caravan set out at 7:30 a.m. and traveled the 188-mile trip from Portage Lake to Quebec City through the woods road system of the North Maine Woods. Many of the riders, though all from The County, had never been in this region and were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful and vast our woods are. Dumond guided the caravan to the border to ensure the riders’ safety, advising them of road conditions and oncoming logging trucks, which of course are a common sight on the woods roads; but to a novice can certainly be startling and dangerous. Each vehicle was outfitted with a walkie-talkie for communication between riders. The communication equipment was generously provided by Aroostook Technologies.
The caravan had their first rest break at Maibec Camps and were graciously welcomed by hosts Christian Guimond, camp foreman, and Caretaker Larry L’Italian along with dog, Queenie. The riders enjoyed coffee and a variety of sweet treats such as cookies and muffins. From there, they continued on to the border at St. Pamphile. From there, the caravan made its way to Quebec City, crossing the St. Lawrence Seaway on a ferry at Levis along the route.
Photo courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
TRAIL MASTER Jim Dumond of Portage Lake, left, received a special token of appreciation from the Maine Quebec Winter Carnival Caravan. Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce committee member Sarah Brooks is seen here thanking him for taking on such an important role in the caravan.
Upon their arrival in Quebec, the group received a tour of the Quebec Parliament Building. This building is an imposing structure built between 1877 and 1886. It stands 171 feet in height and overlooks the city. The building is filled with a rich history and variety of fine art works. This tour offers a very unique and educational opportunity for the visitors.
The next morning the caravan riders attended a private reception in their honor at the Quebec City Hall. Greeted by Canadian dignitaries Michelle Morin-Doyle, the Deputy Mayor of Quebec City, Alain Winters, president of the Winter Carnival, along with the United States Consul Gen. Peter O’Donohue and his wife, Mary, and the Deputy Chief of Mission (who is second in line to be the United States Ambassador to Canada) with his wife, Chris. This is a very significant distinction given to our caravan riders in the spirit of international goodwill on account of the number of years Maine residents have participated in the caravan. Such a privilege is typically shared only with very important visitors. This says a lot about the international relations this group has developed with the citizens of Quebec. There is a lot of pomp and circumstance and formal protocols that visitors are expected to follow. The participating members have taken the time to respect and honor these traditions representing Maine and the United States in the most positive way. It is a huge honor bestowed upon them and we should all be very proud of their role.
The caravan group presented the Quebec dignitaries with tokens of friendship including a copy of the Maine Quebec Caravan 55th anniversary book, various Aroostook County brochures, a North Maine Woods booklet, a coffee table book featuring photographs of the state of Maine and letters of greeting and appreciation from Maine Sen. John Martin and Portage Lake Town Manager Holly Umphrey.
Norman Cyr of Madawaska, vice chair of the Maine Events Committee for the Acadian Congress, addressed the dignitaries and attendees at City Hall speaking of the caravan and the upcoming Acadian Congress being held in Aroostook County in 2014. “Bonhomme Carnaval,” the very well recognized “Ambassador of Celebrations” was also in attendance and was presented with gifts, as well. Bonhomme Carnaval is a snowman-like mascot who is the most recognized figure associated with the Quebec Winter Carnival activities.
Mainers took their first caravan journey in 1957 to encourage the economic and cultural growth between Maine and Quebec. This caravan became an annual event and is now organized by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce. The current committee members involved in organizing the 2012 caravan are Sarah Brooks, Theresa Fowler, Carol Bell, Megan Fowler and Stacey Shaw. Thanks to the committee, the caravan riders enjoy a well-organized adventure.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Brooks
SHELLY LEWIS of Perham presents Bonhomme Carnaval with gifts during a special reception at the Quebec City Hall during the Quebec Winter Carnival. Bonhomme Carnaval is the “ambassador of the celebration” and is a very well known mascot throughout Canada. Lewis traveled with her parents, Marie and David, in the Maine Quebec Caravan.
The caravan is planned to coincide with the Quebec Winter Carnival, and once the caravan group arrives, they are free and on their own to explore the city and carnival. Quebec opens its arms to the world in spectacular fashion. The city is alive with the carnival feel and is the largest winter carnival in the world and is third on the list of “Top Carnivals” after the famous carnivals in Rio and New Orleans. This is an event not to be missed! The towering and intricate ice and snow sculptures are awe-inspiring, locals and international guests fill the streets. The city has an abundant array of activities over the carnival weekend from many fantastic shopping opportunities to family inspired activities along with some great nightlife. The carnival night parade is a huge draw and favorite activity among the carnival attendees. It is a time of revelry and celebration. Quebec has a very Old-World European feel in its architecture, culture and rich history.
If you are interested in participating in the 2013 Maine Quebec Winter Carnival Caravan, contact the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce for more information. You can also visit the Quebec Winter Carnival website.
Project Grad supper and auction
Ashland District School Project Grad 2012 will be holding a spaghetti supper and auction at the school Saturday, March 10 beginning at 5 p.m. The auction will be held in the auditorium immediately following the supper. Some of the items being auctioned include pellets and firewood (who can’t use those?), rounds of golf, tanning sessions, car washes, homemade quilts, baked goods, a Tom Brady jersey and many, many more items — too many to list! Come on out to the school and support our students. Auctions are always a lot of fun, not to mention the chance to walk away with a good deal! Admission for the supper is by donation.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
