Drivers of 32 vintage autos accelerated the energy level at Merrill Millstream Park during the third annual Cruise-In Labor Day weekend. A record-breaking crowd of 200-plus participants consumed 220 lobsters, eight dozen ears of corn and 140 hotdogs.
Those arriving early were able to quench their thirst with cool, tangy lemonade provided by 5-year-old Olivia Lawler. Olivia had been wanting to run a lemonade stand for some time, but living on busy Route 2 made it impractical. The Cruise-In provided an ideal venue. Olivia donated all proceeds to the park, as she wanted to do something to benefit the park because she loves to play in the park with her friends.
CLASSIC OWNERS — Wayne and Sherry Campbell of Millinocket stand in front of two of their vintage autos.
This year’s Cruise-In marked several significant milestones. The park committee recently purchased a used sound system, filling the air with old time ‘60s rock ‘n roll music. The evening began with the traditional pledge of allegiance, led by Master of Ceremonies and Army veteran Ken Bustard. Various announcements were made throughout the evening, recognizing volunteers who maintain the park and those who have contributed financially. Attention was drawn to the recently added playground equipment. The park has also expanded electrical capabilities, now enabling numerous electrical items such as sound equipment, projector and popcorn machine to operate simultaneously. Bustard thanked those present for making the many park improvements possible with their consistent participation as well as financial support.
Drivers traveled much greater distances to attend this year’s Cruise-In. Bill and Wendy Hanson drove their 1968 Ford Falcon from New Brunswick, Canada. Wayne and Sherry Campbell arrived from Millinocket with a 1916 Model T Ford, a 1923 Model T and a 1937 Model 115C Packard. Presque Isle was represented by Jim and Nancy Chandler in their 1965 GrandSport Buick as well as Peter and Kathy Davis in their 1965 Pontiac GTO. Kyle and April Bartman came with their 1940 Dodge Sedan from Canaan. Dick and Midge Jimmo traveled from Ashland in their 1957 Ford Fairlane. Closer to the park were Dick and Judy Gillen from Blaine in their 1984 Olds Hurst.
Houlton had the greatest representation, with William and Shawna Bartman (1968 Mercury Comet), Tim McAtee (1991 Mercury Capri), James and Carol Logue (1981 Pontiac Lemano which they won at the Houlton Fair), Steve Rogers (1968 Chevy Biscayne), Bill Shaughnessy (1948 Chevy Coupe), Sharon Lilley (1952 Chevy) and Bill and Kathy Larson (1946 Dodge P/U).
Residents of Linneus, Littleton, Mars Hill, and Hodgdon included Keith and Sheila Murchie (1964 Pontiac GTO), Pete and Darlene Kenney (1989 Chevy, 1969 Volkswagen Type 3), Ken and Joyce Smith (1965 Chevy Impala), Larry and Nancy Fletcher (1963 Ford Galaxy) and Raymond and Melanie Carmichael (1967 Chevy Caprice).
A LOOK — A view from Rte. 212 shows a full park during MMP’s annual cruise-in.
Further south from Sherman was Raymond McAvoy (1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass) and Cary Plantation residents Leroy and Jackie Colella (1990 Chevy 454 SS).
Local residents included Ralph and Cindy Bartman (1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan aka “Barney”), Rob and Wendy Furrow (1972 and 1976 Chevy Corvettes), Dennis Burpee (2002 Pontiac Firehawk), Peter and Shirley Drew (1957 Chevy Bel-Air), Ed Woodbury (2010 Dodge Challenger) and last but not least Ralph Bartman Jr. with fiancé Kim Heath in their 1976 GMC Sierra.
Many drivers participated in “Junk in the Trunk,” which is basically a swap meet for both old and newer auto parts. Participants were encouraged to contribute one item to the evening auction, proceeds to benefit activities at Merrill Millstream Park. The auction proved successful, netting $646. Auction items, besides donated auto parts, included a lift of lumber (288 2x4x8 ) from Kathadin Forest Products and several gift certificates from Houlton Tire.
The Cruise-In included ongoing kid games throughout the evening. Bustard used the new sound system to challenge kids in several games, testing their attentiveness and responsiveness. Everyone competing managed to earn prizes of candy and novelty items. Most importantly, they were an interactive part of the evening, mingling with the older generation of cars and people.
The growing success of events at MMP is directly attributed to a loyal volunteer base. Present on Friday night to oversee everything from directing traffic, cooking lobster, corn and hotdogs, popping popcorn and selling 50/50 tickets were town manager Candy Nevers, Alberta McDonald, Ralph and Cindy Bartman, Ken and Pearl Bustard, Rob and Wendy Furrow, Andy and Jill Bustard, Heidi Pratt, Mike Kitchen, Peter and Shirley Drew, Sonny and Jann Votaw, Olivia Lawler, Candy Nevers, Johnny White, Alex and Austin White, Carl Bustard Jr., Kyle Bartman and Eric Cone.
Many favorable comments were heard through the evening. Sentiments can be best summarized by an e-mail received from Midge Jimmo the following day: “We just got back from this Cruise-In with the ‘57 Ford! What a wonderful time, the best group of people, some old friends and lots of new ones. What’s not to like about LOBSTER FEED? Beautiful classic cars, (even Dick’s new/old favorite and 2010 bright fushia Dodge SRT Challenger) were on display! They had a new sound system set up for the evening at Millstream Park, old-time rock ‘n roll, an auction and a ‘scavenger hunt’ and “Junk in the Trunk” theme to buy, swap or sell! As we were leaving the evening was still young, with the bonfire blazing, the old-fashioned Drive-In movie showing “The Incredibles” and even the popcorn machine was working! Marking it on our calendar for next year.”
The fourth annual Cruise-In is scheduled for the last Friday in August 2014.
