King to serve as Star City’s ‘honorary mayor’
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Christopher King, 14, of Presque Isle, will serve as the city’s honorary Mayor for the Day, following City Council’s proclamation appointing the youth, who suffers from a life-threatening condition, to the position on Saturday, Oct. 20.
“Make-A-Wish Maine is granting a local child’s wish to be famous for a day and the city of Presque Isle is helping to make the day extra special. Christopher King qualified for a wish because of his life-threatening spinal muscular atrophy. He is looking forward to having his dream come true on Saturday,” said City Manager Jim Bennett.
“A press conference will be held on Saturday at the Presque Isle Public Safety Building located at 43 North St. at 11 a.m. A number of activities are being planned at that time,” said Bennett.
Plans include:
• A red carpet event will be held to welcome King as he arrives via transportation provided by Make-A-Wish;
• City Council members will present the proclamation to King in person naming him honorary Mayor of the Day;
• City Council will present King with a key to the city, courtesy of Cushman’s Embroidery;
• The Presque Isle Police Department will provide King with a tour of their facility and a police escort throughout the day;
• The Presque Isle Fire Department will have fire trucks available for King to explore;
• Both the police and fire departments will present King with public safety memorabilia;
• Jeff Willette of Willette’s Auto will have a race car on site for King to enjoy;
• The United Veteran’s Motorcycle Group will be present to welcome King; and
• Chris Weimer of WAGM-TV will be chronicling King’s day to create a video for him.
Following the press event, King will visit the Northern Maine Regional Airport and enjoy a shopping spree at local stores.
Make-A-Wish volunteers working with King as his wish granters are Marilyn Cary of New Limerick and Tonya Fitzpatrick of Littleton.
Make-A-Wish grants a wish to a Maine child fighting a life-threatening medical condition every five days, on average. Their mission is to bring hope, strength and joy to the child, his or her family and community. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Maine or to make a donation, visit www.maine.wish.org or follow them on Facebook to see photos of King’s wish.
