Plans continues on city’s 150th celebration

17 years ago
    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee will hold a meeting Wednesday, June 18 beginning at 6 p.m. at City Hall’s Council Chamber to discuss plans for the city’s upcoming anniversary.
“The meeting is to provide updates on the various activities we are planning,” said Kim Smith, treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society and an organizer for the SCC.
Smith said updates will be given on the proposed air show, fireworks, pageant and parade, among other festivities.
“We’ll also discuss what’s planned for the James School, SAD 1’s participation, the Chorale Society (Historical Music Concert) and the Braden Theatre. We’re planning a fashion show (featuring attire through the decades) and a DVD featuring a timeline and material from the Rotary Club,” said Smith.
Festivities are also being coordinated with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, with plans to include Gentile Hall in some capacity.
“We’ll also have an update on the historical plaques and the city’s logo,” said Smith.
Organizers are also working on a lecture series highlighting some of the more notable aspects of the city’s past.
“The series will include the contributions of Arthur Gould, the history of the Aroostook Valley Railroad, information on Presque Isle’s pirate, as well as data on Thomas and James Phair,” Smith said.
Also included will be the history of the Presque Isle library, the town’s ‘poor farm,’ hot air ballooning and northern Maine’s role, the Maysville Grange, and the life and times of Vera Estey.
“There’ll be information about Victorian etiquette, the history of the northern Maine Sanatorium and the Northern Maine Fair and more,” added Smith.
The Barber Shoppers are one of the options being considered for entertainment, as well as old-time games for the children.
“We’re also hoping to incorporate local clubs and organizations into planning and putting on some of the activities,” said Smith, noting the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club is one such organization, with a softball tournament, basketball games and a beauty pageant among the events being considered.
All interested individuals are encouraged to attend.