PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — This weekend’s Crown of Maine Balloon Festival will kick off later this week with the annual street fair sponsored by the Presque Isle Elks Club.
On Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 from 4-10 p.m., birthday balloons will be everywhere on Main Street, from Riverside Drive to Academy Street, with the inaugural Balloon Festival activities.
As in recent years, Main Street in Presque Isle will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 4 p.m. from Riverside and Blake streets at the northern end of Main Street to Academy Street at the southern end. Between those streets, Main Street will be alive with activity, much of it having a birthday party theme.
The theme will help mark several important “birthdays,” explained Alan Harding, Presque Isle Elks Club Exalted Ruler. Celebrating their 150th birthdays in the area are the Congregational Church of Presque Isle, the Masonic Lodge and the Town of Easton. The Town of Chapman is 125 years old. Social Security turns 80 this year and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #1954 of Presque Isle is now 60 years old.
“It is time for a birthday party,” Harding said. “To celebrate these great occasions and to kick off the 2015 Crown of Maine Balloon Festival, the Presque Isle Elks will again be hosting a street fair.”
At 6:30 p.m., the Jerry T Band will get Main Street rocking from atop a flatbed trailer at the intersection of State and Main Streets. The Aroostook Medical Center will preview the Adventure Challenge for Youth, with several fun and challenging physical contests for young people, located north of State Street.
Food vendors, including Governor’s, the Northeastland Hotel and the Pizza Box, will sell delicious fare from the sidewalks. Several other food vendors will also participate. Their offerings will be supplemented by the Elks, who will sell hamburgers, hot dogs, shaved ice, popcorn, birthday cupcakes and ice cream. All proceeds from the Elks’ sales will benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program.
Many merchants will also get in on the fun. The Cubby will create giant bubbles for kids to play in, and will provide bubble mix so they can make their own bubbles. The Aroostook Federal Savings & Loan will again have a contest for children, providing each child an opportunity to win a valuable prize. The Elks will give children an opportunity to win school supplies with a variety of games and contests.
Other attractions will include the Elks’ dunking booth, face painting for children of all ages, and the Presque Isle Fire Department, offering materials about fire safety. The Elks will have a huge supply of educational materials for young people regarding the dangers of various drugs.
“As in previous years, the Balloon Fest street fair will offer a fun evening for everyone,” said Harding. “There will be plenty of food and activities for the young and old. This is an excellent opportunity to simply get out to see one’s friends and neighbors in the happy environment of a birthday party.”
