Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The Star City ATV Club’s annual Ultimate ATV Event, held June 20-22 in Presque Isle, received rave reviews from participants as well as local businesses who benefited from the influx of outdoor enthusiasts that enjoyed festivities over the three-day weekend.
The weekend kicked off on Friday, June 20, with the club hosting a hotdog and hamburger cookout and a ride.
“We traveled to Easton the first night. About 100 people took part in that portion of the three-day event,” said Dick Howlett, SCATV Club president.
The second day saw even more riders turn out for a poker run and ride to Stockholm, where lunch was served by members of the Caribou ATV Club.
“Close to 200 people took part in the poker run and ride on Saturday,” Howlett said.
Saturday’s ride was split into two groups, one for slower riders and another for those more adventurous and looking to go a bit faster. A chicken barbecue followed the ride back at the Park and Ride, with SCATV Club members tending grills and serving food to the many hungry people who turned out for the dinner. The evening concluded with music, socializing and a bon fire.
On Sunday, June 22, participants gathered once again at the Park and Ride in Presque Isle for another ride – this time to Mars Hill Mountain.
“Once in Mars Hill, we enjoyed a barbecue put on by the Big 13 (Mars Hill ATV Club),” said Howlett.
Participants from out of state were granted permission to use the trails over the three-day weekend while they took part in the club’s annual event.
“The SCATV Club was granted a permit allowing three-day passes at no additional cost for individuals who registered their ATVs in another state,” said Howlett.
Several local facilities, either located near the trail or serving the needs of ATVers, saw an increase in business over the three-day weekend.
Harry’s Honda and Dick’s Transmission both had equipment at the Park and Ride, with many participants taking the time to check out the latest model ATV.
“Harry’s Motor Sports always brings equipment to display and has staff on hand to answer questions. We also brought machines up from my shop,” said Howlett, owner of Dick’s Transmission.
Budget Traveler, on the Houlton Road, saw in increase in business as well over the weekend.
“Things were great. We were pretty much full from Wednesday to Saturday,” said Mike LeFleur, Budget’s general manager.
LeFleur said the business also participated in the Saturday poker run, giving away $100 to the guest with the highest poker hand.
“We dropped off a check to Dick’s to give the winner,” said LeFleur, noting the business planned to take part in future events.
“We’ll definitely be onboard in the future,” said LeFleur. “We had mud all over the facility, so it looks like everyone had a good time – nothing that can’t be cleaned up. We’re looking forward to next year.”
Kevin Freeman, owner of The Sled Shop located across the road from Budgt, said his business saw more business as well.
“We handed out several trail maps. Many folks were new to the area and commented how much they liked the County. They said they wanted to return,” said Freeman. “There was more activity on the trail that runs by the shop, since many ATVers stayed at Budget that weekend.”
Staff at The Sled Shop confirmed gas sales were up that weekend and that more folks were in browsing the shop, with some buying parts and accessories, while others got tires repaired.
Law enforcement was present on the trails over the weekend, in the form of Sgt. Joey Seeley of the Presque Isle Police Department. Using a Honda ATV, Seeley patrolled the trails, checking registrations and giving a few warnings.
“Harry’s donated another ATV to the PIPD for officers to patrol the trails again this year. I gave a few warnings and checked registrations on a number of machines over the weekend. One youth didn’t have proof he’d taken a safety course, so I called his father to come get him,” said Seeley, adding, “I also go to enjoy some good food and good company at the Park and Ride.”
Seeley socialized with participants, including club members and some members of his own family who made the trip up for the event.
“My brother, Dwayne, and some of his family and friends made the trip up from Freeport/Brunswick area,” said Seeley.
“Joey tried to keep an eye on the kids Friday night but that’s what the rest of the adults were here for. We had fun, got a little muddy,” said Gail Scammon, one of the visitors from the Freeport/Bucksport area.
“We had a good time – got to spend a great weekend with family and friends,” said Dwayne Seeley. “It cost quite a bit for fuel to get up here, but the trip was worth it.”
Though the week began rather wet, with rain early on, by Friday, skies were cloudy but dry for the most part.
“Rain early in the week kept the dust down, making for the ideal riding condition,” said Howlett.
A few showers occurred on Saturday, but not enough to dampen the spirits of participants enjoying hours on area trails.
Some participants made out better than others, walking away with the three prizes awarded during Saturday’s poker run.
“Ralph Good, of Presque Isle, won the $1,000 first prize; Gerald LeVasseur, of Presque Isle, won the $300 second prize; and Bob Durkee, of Corinna, won the $200 third prize, as well as the $100 offered by Budget,” said Kathie Howlett, club member.
The Howletts said the club basically broke even on the event but noted the weekend was considered a success. Plans area already being made for next year’s event. For more information on the club or to become a member, visit www.starcityatv.com.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Sgt. Joey Seeley, of the Presque Isle Police Department took time from patrolling the ATV trails on June 21 to spend a bit of time with friends and family members taking part in the SCATV’s Ultimate ATV Event. Pictured at the Park and Ride in Presque Isle are, from left: Seeley; Ella Knight; Randy Scammon; Gail Scammon; Jeff Romigh; Amy Seeley, in front; Angie Seeley; Aubrey Seeley, in front; Dwayne Seeley; and Tyler Seeley.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CARTER LARRABEE, of Mars Hill, registers for the poker run.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
BOB AND DARLENE Good, of Presque Isle, show their approval of this year’s Ultimate ATV Event, as Bob gives the thumbs-up sign during the poker run on June 21.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty 
AN INCREASING number of riders wore helmets for this year’s Ultimate ATV Event hosted by Presque Isle’s Star City ATV Club the weekend of June 20-22. Promoted as a family event, participants included mothers, fathers, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and more.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
KAYLA DECKER, of Mars Hill, enjoyed her hamburger June 20 seated on an ATV at the SCATV’s Park and Ride.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ALYSHA DECKER, of Mars Hill, spent time enjoying nature during this year’s SCATV event. Here, Decker examines a caterpillar she named “George.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
ON PATROL – Sgt. Joey Seeley, of the PIPD, made sure Presque Isle trails were safe for this year’s ATV event.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
SCATV Club President Dick Howlett leads a group of riders across Main St., departing on June 21 from the Park and Ride, heading north for lunch sponsored by the Caribou ATV Club, during this year’s Ultimate ATV Event. Many riders rode without jackets, enjoying the warmr temperatures the weekend offered.
