Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Outdoor enthusiasts have something to look forward to this weekend, as UMPI’s Gentile Hall is transformed into a sporting paradise — all part of the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club’s Sportsman’s Show 2009.
The event has continued to grow over the years, as new exhibits are added and new vendors come on board.
“This is the best floor plan we’ve ever had, with a wide variety of people from Maine and away coming to take part in the show,” said Nick Archer, co-chair of the show. “We have exhibitors from as far away as Labrador and Quebec.”
New to the show this year is an taxidermy exhibit from Newport High School.
“This year the Newport High School taxidermy class donated the use of two fully-mounted African lions, a male and female,” said Charlie Beck, co-chair of the event.
Thanks to last year’s success with the children’s trout pond, organizers decided to save the expense of renting one and opted to build their own this year.
“We have our own trout pond which will be stocked with brook trout. Pat and Alden Rathbun donated the materials for constructing the frame. It measures 10 by 15 and will hold 1,683 gallons of water,” said Beck, noting that even with the club purchasing a liner, the cost is still far cheaper than renting. The pond is sponsored by L.L. Bean.
When the show is over, Beck said plans are to release the trout into Arnold Brook Lake.
This year, according to Beck, the club also purchased and will be operating a 24-foot by 8-foot air rifle range.
“We’ll also have the bow range again this year,” said Beck.
Another popular event scheduled again this year is the moose-calling contest.
“We’ll be holding the contest at 4 p.m. in Weiden Auditorium at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Don Zillman is serving as emcee this year. Judges will include sporting camp owners, game wardens and others,” said Beck. “We’re offering $500 in cash prizes. Anyone interested in entering can do so at the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club booth.”
The event, which gains in popularity each year, has an even better reason for folks to participate this year.
“We want to increase attendance at the moose-calling contest. To do that, a member of the audience will have an opportunity to win a 32-inch flat screen RCA television, donated by Wal-Mart and Savings Bank of Maine,” said Archer.
Archer said in an effort to attract more people to the show, organizers have teamed up with the Downtown Revitalization Committee.
“Members of the DRC will be there Saturday afternoon, handing out discount coupons for shopping downtown and accepting entries for their logo contest. They’ve noticed an increase in traffic downtown when the show’s in town and decided this would be a good opportunity for a contest to help them select which logo and slogan you like best and be entered to win money-saving coupons to your favorite downtown stores,” said Archer.
Riverside Restaurant will be on hand, serving hot food to the hungry crowd.
“They’ve been a big attraction for us, giving participants a place to grab a meal before continuing to check out more of the show,” said Beck.
Fly rods will be given away to children each hour. Hourly door prizes will be given to kids attending and one lucky winner will win the door prize, an Old Town canoe.
Funds raised from this event will be used to provide scholarships for Maine youth to learn about conservation.
“Funds go to the Maine Conservation School. None of that would be possible without sponsors,” said Beck.
In addition to the 75 exhibitors appearing in the exhibition hall, Beck said there will be a variety of seminars and demonstrations taking place over the weekend.
“The Maine Spaniel Club and the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association will be giving demonstrations, Fins & Furs will offer an adventure presentation, and we’ll have other demonstrations including canoeing, kayaking, lifesaving and bass fishing,” he said.
“We have a really nice mixture, promoting local businesses as well as stuff from away,” said Archer.
Some of the sponsors making this year’s show possible include: McCain Foods, Wright-Pierce Eng., Northeastland Hotel, Rathbun Lumber, Katahdin Trust and TD Banknorth.
“None of this would be possible without such great sponsors,” said Beck.
Show hours are: Saturday, March 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, March 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults, 10 and under get in free.
