Elks’ Fourth celebration draws more than 2,000
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Perfect weather and a totally free event, with something for the entire family, proved to be the perfect formula for the largest turnout ever at the Presque Isle Elks’ July 4th community celebration held at Presque Isle’s Riverside Park Monday, July 4, 2016.
According to Dana Dickinson, event chair for the local Elks Lodge 1954, approximately 2,200 people attended the 11th consecutive celebration. Despite the addition of another commercial, double-sized grill, along with 20 experienced Elk members and volunteers, the lines of people waiting for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs soon grew. By the end of the event, crews had served 800 hamburgers and 1,000 hot dogs, along with more than 800 containers of water and soda, 300 servings of shaved ice, 350 slices of watermelon and 800 bags of popcorn and chips.
The Elks’ traditional July 4th car show on Riverside Drive filled the street with 70 entries, including antique autos, muscle cars from the 1970s to present, and cars and pickups of special interest. Those attending the car show selected John Jalbert’s customized 1940 Ford pickup for the People’s Choice Award. Judged to be the Best of the Show was the entry of Judson Harding, a 1934 Ford Cabriolet.
With the help of Craig Green and Kim Smith, “Molly the Trolley” from the Presque Isle Historical Society provided a brief historical tour of Presque Isle to 250 young people. Over 300 youngsters enjoyed carnival-style games at the picnic with each young person walking away with a prize for their efforts.
Two bounce houses were filled with children, and accurate aims kept dunking booth personnel drenched throughout the event.
While young people were busy with games, rides, food and face painting, hundreds of adults socialized while enjoying the live music provided by local musicians, including Guy Clooney and Andy Rebscher, also known as the Guy and Andy Show, and James “Sheldon” Wright, Leland Clark, Wendell Hudson, Simon Clair, J.R. McLellan, Dale Hudson and several others.
More than 50 lodge members, families and volunteers helped put on the party. Assistance came from a substantial grant from the Elks’ National Foundation and a contribution from Star City IGA.
“The Presque Isle Elks are to be congratulated for again sponsoring this spectacular July 4th celebration,” said Presque Isle City Councilor Craig Green. “It is events such as this, as well as the many other free events sponsored by the Elks, which highlight our downtown and make Presque Isle such a special place to live.”
Dickinson said he has already begun to make plans for an even bigger and better celebration next year.
