PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A program designed to bring friends and family together for a bit of free entertainment at Riverside Park now has the financial backing to continue through the end of summer, thanks to the collaborative effort of the Presque Isle Police Department and the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.
“The CACC is happy to assist the PIPD, under the leadership of Chief Matt Irwin, in providing Friday Night Movies Under the Stars,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, CACC.
Through the use of available grant money, Irwin was able to acquire an outdoor movie screen and projection system which the department set up at Riverside Park on Friday nights, weather permitting. But the need to pay licensing fees left Irwin searching for ways to cover expenses. That’s when the CACC stepped in to help.
“The Chamber is happy to sponsor the movies, including licensing fees, that will be shown at Riverside Park in Presque Isle on Friday evenings throughout the rest of summer. In case of inclement weather, the films may be moved to the Forum, so there will be free movies available to area residents each Friday until fall,” said Fowler.
“I want to thank the CACC for its wonderful commitment of $1,000 to help fund Movie in the Park. This donation is huge and will likely get us through the remainder o the summer/fall season. We are very fortunate to have this organization and the businesses that make up its membership in our community,” wrote Irwin, on the department’s Facebook page.
Irwin said the CACC isn’t the only entity supporting the project.
“The other good news is that the Presque Isle Recreation Department has graciously offered to open up the Forum on evenings when there is inclement weather, so we are now a rain-or-shine operation,” wrote Irwin, noting, however, if the Forum has an event scheduled, “we may be out of luck, but those likelihoods are few and far between.”
On nights that the movie moves to the Forum, visitors will have access to the facility’s concessions.
Irwin said “one of the new-found luxuries afforded us by the Chamber’s commitment is the ability to plan and advertise in advance.”
This collaboration between the Public Safety Team, Recreation Department and Chamber of Commerce, according to Fowler, “is the sort of initiative that makes Aroostook County, and Presque Isle in particular, such a great place for families.”
“The movies will be free to all. People can take chairs or blankets and gather at Riverside Park to enjoy a family evening of entertainment, while also having the opportunity to spend time with friends and neighbors,” said Fowler.
Irwin hopes the movie adventure will turn into a festival atmosphere and an evening of fun for the entire family.
Movies are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The movie schedule for the next two weeks includes: Friday, Aug. 22, features “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs,” with “October Sky” scheduled for Friday, Aug. 29. For more information, visit the PIPD Facebook page or call the Chamber at 764-6561.
