Summer weather made holding events on regular basis difficult
In its inaugural year Presque Isle managed to pull off only two Mondays on Main Street over the summer due to northern Maine’s typical fickle weather. This past Monday didn’t start off so great with rain showers leaving the possibility of having the final downtown event up in the air. But mother nature gave Presque Isle a break, the rain stopped and folks descended on the Star City’s main drag for food, live music and fun.
Sherry Sirois of Presque Isle made it to both events this summer. She comes for the live music and said having outdoor cafes where you can have a glass of wine and enjoy yourself makes Monday the perfect night to take pleasure in Presque Isle’s downtown.
“I like (Mondays on Main Street) a lot and hope it continues,” she said. Although there were no outdoor cafes this Monday due to the weather Sirois hopes they’ll be back next year.
It was classic car night this Monday and everything from Mustangs to Beetles lined one end of Main Street draping the night in a sense of nostalgia. Some of America’s favorite rides showed up – even one of Presque Isle’s vintage fire trucks made an appearance.
Kids and their families volleyed beach balls courtesy of Griffeth Honda back and forth to the live performance of Sound Friendships. The Beatles “Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da” carried through the crowd as the sun sank and transitioned into a gorgeous red sky.
“It’s nice for folks to be at home and have something to do,” Matt Irwin, Presque Isle police chief, said. He can’t wait for more businesses, vendors and bands to take part in the future. “Once they see the city is committed I think more businesses will be part of this.”
This summer’s big sponsor has been Griffeth Honda. With their own stand, prize wheel and popcorn machine general manager Shawn Huston has been greeting folks with a smile and free goodies.
“We want to support our community and it’s good business,” he said.
The Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee is on a mission to bring more businesses to Mondays and is in active pursuit in making Presque Isle a vibrant destination for folks to enjoy Aroostook County’s unique culture.
“What a great way to get more people interested down here,” Roland Joy, board member, said.
Kim Smith, grant writer and public information officer for the City of Presque Isle, said bringing folks downtown has a good economic domino effect for businesses. She sees the Monday series building momentum and knows as things gain steam there will be future economic successes.
It was obvious Monday evening that there’s a lot of love for Presque Isle. Just watching the folks who bring you Mondays on Main Street mingle with residents makes you realize we shouldn’t take our downtown for granted. The Star City’s new event is growing and judging by this month’s turnout it’s only going to get bigger and better.
