Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Northern Maine Fair may have come and gone for another year and students are heading back to school, but there are still many fun summer activities being planned in coming weeks, including this weekend’s festivities, beginning Friday evening, to mark Presque Isle’s 150th anniversary.
“On Friday, Aug. 14, at 9:15 p.m. we will have our Sesquicentennial fireworks display at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds,” said Kim Smith, Sesquicentennial Committee chair. The celebration continues Saturday, with a parade and race. The parade is being co-sponsored by the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and the Anah Temple Shriners. Lineup begins at 10:30 a.m. on North St. and will end at the University of Maine at Presque Isle events.
“Parents, please be advised that children need to maintain a safe distance from vehicles and floats during the parade. There will be no throwing of candy,” said Theresa Fowler, PIACC executive director. Fowler said if parade participants wish to give out candy, organizers suggest walkers hand items directly to the children along the parade route.
For more information on the parade or to enter a float, call the PIACC at 764-6561.
“On Saturday, we’ve planned the Presque Isle Sesquicentennial 5K Run and Walk, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. The Sesquicentennial Parade is scheduled for noon at North St., traveling south on Main St. and will feature the official unveiling of the downtown logo,” said Kim Smith.
Smith’s husband, Chris Smith, is serving as race organizer.
“Race activities take place at the Historic Fire Station at 11 Church St. Walkers start at 9:15 a.m., with runners scheduled to depart at 9:30 a.m.,” said Chris Smith.
For more information on the race, contact 768-9472 or e-mail christopher.smith@umpi.edu.
A special edition collector plate is now available, according to Kim Smith.
“The 2009 Sesquicentennial souvenir plates are in and they are absolutely gorgeous. They are retailing for $20 each,” said Kim Smith.
The plates feature historic structures from Presque Isle’s past, as well as John R. Braden, the city’s best-known race horse, with a map of the community at the center, and the image of the historic firehouse at the top.
“I am sure these will go fast, so get yours while the gettin’ is good,” said Kim Smith.
With only 150 in stock, Kim Smith said she’s sure they’ll go fast. The ceramic ivory plates are 10 and a half inches, with blue imprinting and gold rim.
“There’s no limit on the number a person can purchase. For those of you who will be attending the Presque Isle Historical Society monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 12, or the Sesquicentennial meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13, bring your cash or check with you as I will bring some to the meeting with me,” said Kim Smith.
Before or after those meetings, plates will be available through the Historical Society.
“If you want one, just give us a call the Society’s voice mail at 762-1151,” said Kim Smith.
