MERRILL, Maine — Several summer improvements at Merrill Millstream Park have greatly enhanced the park’s usability, as the park committee makes final preparations for the sixth annual Cruise-In, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016.
This signature event has been moved from its traditional Friday night spot to Saturday to allow for additional activities, making for an even more memorable time for all, according to Ken Bustard, park committee chair.
“This is one of the premier events organized by the Merrill Millstream Park Committee and has seen consistent participation growth each year,” he said. “Several new features this year are intended to make it even more entertaining.”
A family friendly park located along the banks of the East Branch of the Mattawamkeag River off U.S. Route 212, the park has become a gathering place for young and old alike.
Beginning at 1 p.m., for those arriving early, will be the first Salvage Yard Scavenger Hunt. Participants will travel to Bartman’s Salvage on Route 212, where hundreds of vintage automobiles await identification. Prizes will be given for those that can, in a limited period of time, identify predetermined automobile trivia.
Returning for the second year is the “MMP Carnival Games.” People young and old, can win one or more prizes starting at 2 p.m. An auction will begin at 3 p.m. The auction has been greatly enhanced from prior years, as the committee has gotten numerous donations from local business to support the park.
The highlight of the day, beginning at 4 pm, will be fresh Maine lobster, Italian fair sausage and of course hot dogs. This will appeal to the small percentage whose palate isn’t as tantalized by the crustacean flavor.
“Anyone coming to the park will be able to enjoy the new Bison Pump, installed on the new well dug by Lords Well Drilling,” Bustard said. “The water has been tested and is very drinkable. This investment was made possible by a $5,000 grant from a Bangor-based nonprofit.”
An additional covered picnic table area was constructed by Travis Libby of T-Libb Construction in Merrill, with the metal added by Joe Martinez of Merrill. The park has also benefited from six new picnic tables donated by Al Cowperthwaite of North Maine Woods, Inc. Finally, a small storage building, donated by the town of Smyrna, was moved on site, a few repairs made, and the ever accumulating inventory of event supplies can now be stored at the park.
“This has been or most monumental summer as far as park upgrades,” Bustard said. “Getting the grant, which made the well and Bison Pump possible, was a big deal. [Lords Well Drilling] gave us a tremendous deal on the well, saving us about $1,000. Then the tremendous volunteer support building the additional picnic table area and moving the storage building on site has made for significant improvements. This will not only make the park more usable for everyone, but will ease the workload of volunteers by having our supplies right at the park.”
Everyone is welcome at the annual Cruise-In and lobster feed. A vintage automobile is not required. This is a great “go-to event” for members of the motorcycle community as well. Anyone wanting to just socialize, enjoy great food, and listen to some ‘60s music, is sure to have a great evening.
