Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Weekend festivities in the Star City will have traffic seeking a different route, with Main Street shut down part of Saturday in celebration of Street Fair 2009 — an event hosted by the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Revitalization Committee, Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Committee and UMPI Conferences and Special Programs, held in conjunction with other Balloon Fest activities. “Main Street will be closed Saturday, Aug. 29, from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., in the area between Academy and State streets,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director, PIACC.
Fowler said area businesses are participating in a number of ways.
“Some businesses are staying open for the evening. Others, who will not be open, will provide electricity for the vendors and performers,” she explained.
Activities will begin earlier in the day, and continue through the evening.
“We have vendors, performers and food tasting on Main Street from 6-8 p.m., then a DJ, with a screen, will provide music for a street dance until 10 p.m.,” said Fowler.
In addition to the street activities, Fowler said Partners for the Arts will be holding an art auction at the Northeastland Hotel at 7 p.m., with art available for viewing at 6 p.m.
“This is local art, painted in Presque Isle that day,” said Fowler.
Organizers will be busy throughout Presque Isle, as crews chase balloons, groups hold fund-raisers and area businesses provide a variety of opportunities to share their wares with participants.
“The Presque Isle Historical Society will be holding a barbecue on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. On Saturday, we’ll be holding a pie sale on Main Street. All proceeds benefit the Historical Society,” said Kim Smith, treasurer of the Society and chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee.
Like last year, vendors, displays and performers will be set up right on Presque Isle’s thoroughfare, said Fowler.
“Folks can enjoy food tasting and shopping earlier in the evening, then stick around for music and dancing in the street later on,” Fowler continued.
Wendy Koenig, one of the committee members who helped establish the event, has high hopes that this year’s event will be even better than last year’s.
“We had a huge crowd at last year’s event. The Street Fair 2009 Planning Committee is so excited to bring this popular event back and make it bigger and better than ever,” said Koenig.
Fowler said while organizers are keeping their fingers crossed that good weather is in store this weekend, alternate plans are in the works, should Mother Nature be uncooperative. According to www.noaa.gov (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), sunny skies are predicted for Friday and Saturday, with only a slight chance of an evening shower on Saturday.
“We are trying to arrange an indoor venue but will also have canopies available. We’re doing everything in our power to make this a fun, memorable event for everyone,” said Fowler.
For more information, visit crownofmaineballoonfest.org or contact the PIACC at 764-6561.
A city-wide yard sale is also being planned for Saturday, said Fowler, beginning at 8 a.m.
“There’ll be something for everyone, whether you like balloons, good food, bargains, art or musical events,” said Fowler. “Come join us for the fun.”
