As you can see from the big ad found elsewhere in this fine newspaper, the city of Caribou has planned a major event starting a week from tomorrow for area residents with O.P. Pierson Days.
If we get lucky with the weather, there will be three really fun days around here. Like Thursdays on Sweden — which sees its final installment of the year as part of the event — this has been a total team effort by all departments of the city. Suffice it to say, the three days will contain their share of food, festivities, fireworks and fun!
Think of Saturday, the 28th for example: Not only will there be a wonderful event at the downtown mall, but two venues of soccer games at Teague Park and the High School will be going on, a health fair by Cary Medical Center, food by the Caribou Boosters up at the High School and by the time the day climaxes with more food, more music and the best fireworks show the County has hosted this year, that will be one fine day. This pioneer city will be hopping!
There are only a few spaces left in the cafeteria for the annual Caribou Arts & Crafts Festival held at the High School on October 26 and 27. Most vendors tell us this is the best such show of their season. Not only is the timing right (just after harvest and at the start of holiday shopping season) but the venue is cozy and friendly and the crowds are always steady.
If you would like to be a part of this year’s festival, you better act now as, like most years, we will be creating a waiting list soon!
I have mentioned before that many of us have no idea how many folks visit the area from the “outside”. Many people really come here because of the beauty and because of the abundant adventures that can be had in the outdoors. I have also mentioned before that all of us are in the tourism business. From the smile of a convenience store clerk to the quick personality of a bank teller, all of us affect the experience a traveler here will take home.
That leads me to an observation I had last week. A big RV was navigating its way downtown. Most of us who live here get confused once in a while from our little merry-go-round that is our downtown. Imagine being from away and having to navigate that! Well, anyway, this RV (which was huge) was heading up Main Street and at the last minute decided that it needed to go on Herschel Street. Hence, it made a last minute dive to the left.
I was three cars behind it and sure, the first car behind it was pinched a little bit. But there was no danger of a collision. That driver of that first car blasted his horn in righteous indignation. While I can understand being annoyed, again, we are all agents in our local tourism business. I could not help but think of the RV’s driver and passenger and what their thoughts were. Think about it.
We have already had preliminary discussions on our holiday celebration that we always called Santa’s Workshop. We recently found out that our supplies for ginger bread houses will not be available this year. But have no fear, we will find something else to make that event fun. In fact, we are thinking of moving the Thursdays on Sweden vibe inside the Caribou Wellness Center. Stay tuned for more details. The fire department has already been in touch with Santa and he will parade around the city before coming to the Wellness Center this year.
It is a shame that Jonathan Trappe did not complete his journey across the sea. And while it would have been a great story if he had made it across, it is also quite good that he was able to land in Newfoundland instead of having to ditch his effort in the middle of the ocean. When I heard he had landed safely, I thought of his partner that had kissed him so tightly before he took off.
The entire episode reminds me that it is better to have dreamed and tried than to never have dreamed at all. And on the flip side, it was great to read Caribou’s name in all those news stories.
A visitor stopped in the Chamber office on Friday and asked for advice on lodgings since she reported that Russell’s Motel was full. That is a good problem to have. After discussing her needs, I sent her to the Old Iron Inn on High Street.
Don’t forget that as a part of O.P. Pierson Days, we are taking votes for the best French fries in Caribou. Go to our Facebook page or call / e-mail me with your vote.
Please note that, starting today, I will be closing the Chamber office on Wednesday afternoons to meet with members and prospect potential new members. Thank you in advance for understanding.
Executive Director William Tasker may be reached in the CACC office at 498-6156 or e-mail him at cacc@cariboumaine.net.
