PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The annual Sportsman’s Show, hosted by the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall on April 5-6, raised enough funds this year to ensure at least 10 kids will be able to attend conservation camp later this year.
“We raised a little over $5,000, which will allow us to provide scholarships for 10 children to go to conservation camp,” said Nick Archer, club member and event organizer.
According to Archer, costs have nearly doubled since the Sportsman’s Show first began several years ago.
“It costs over $450 now to send a child to camp. These scholarships help youth take part in camp who might otherwise not have been able to attend,” Archer said.
Hundreds turned out for the show, which featured recreational activities ranging from hunting and fishing, to bicycling, ATVing and camping. Family fun seemed to be the show’s theme, with children of all ages and their parents checking out the many displays.
Andrew McLaughlin, of Woodstock, N.B., and his 10-year-old daughter, McKayla, were one of many families to take part in the festivities.
“We came with friends. This is a great opportunity to see what’s available for outdoor recreation. We fish back home. McKayla and her friend each hooked a fish at the trout pond, but the fish got away,” said McLaughlin, as his daughter tried her hand at the fly-tying booth.
Jon Locke and his daughter, Zoe-Jane, 8, of Caribou, make this an annual outing.
“I made it all the way to the top of the rock wall. I tried fishing and got a bite,” said Zoe-Jane Locke, who was enjoying the fun activities with her friend, Dana Bouchard, 12, also of Caribou.
“We come each year. We enjoy the outdoors,” said John Locke.
Younger children were also having fun.
“I’m Daddy’s fishing buddy. We’re going fishing this year,” said 3-and-a-half-year-old Addison LaBelle, of Ashland, who was enjoying some quality time with her father, Ned LaBelle.
Prizes were also up for grabs throughout the weekend.
“The adult moose-calling winners were Frank Hathaway, who took first place, and David Leavitt, second place. This year was the first year the contest followed the rules of the International Moose Calling Competitions of the Maine Professional Guides Association, with the champion to be named during the International Moose Calling Competition which will be held in Presque Isle at the time of the state of Maine moose hunt drawing in June,” he said.
“Our bicycle winners were Shawn Doak, Eva Conrad, Emma Giberson and a young man named Wyatt — that’s all he wrote on the ticket,” said Archer. “Our big prize winner was Darren Thompson of Washburn who won the canoe.”
“We’re very happy with how this year’s show turned out. Much of our success is thanks to the university’s support,” Archer said.
Plans are already under way for next year’s show.
