Street fair kicks off Balloon Fest
Thursday event is ‘fresh from the farm’
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Maine farms and their produce will be celebrated during the 2016 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Street Fair, which takes place Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016 on Main Street in Presque Isle, starting at 4 p.m.
Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic, also starting at 4, from Riverside and Blake streets at the northern end to Academy Street at the southern end.
The Presque Isle Elks Lodge 1954 will sponsor the event for the seventh consecutive year.
According to Elks Exalted Ruler Marion Donahue, “Farming is a predominant feature of life here in Central Aroostook. That becomes immediately evident on any balloon ride, which typically ends in a farmer’s field. This year the Elks want to pay tribute to the contributions of farms and farming to the economy and culture of this area.”
The Elks will feature Houlton Farms Dairy ice cream, locally-grown berries and crepes made from locally-grown flour. The Pizza Box will sell specialty pizzas with locally grown vegetables, as well as locally made Fox Family Potato Chips and Houlton Farms Dairy lemonade. The Northeastland Hotel will offer French fries from area potatoes and beers brewed from local honey and grains. St. John’s Episcopal Church will sell strawberry shortcake. Governor’s will again relocate north to the corner of State and Main to offer lobster rolls and blueberry pie.
Several other food vendors will also participate.
The Jerry T Band will join with its offspring, French Toast, to provide live musical entertainment at the intersection of State and Main streets. This live entertainment is being sponsored by Machias Savings Bank.
The Aroostook Medical Center will conduct several fun and challenging physical contests for youth just north of State Street, and merchants up and down Main Street will be open late with special offers.
In addition to selling food items, the Elks will have their popular dunking booth in full operation. All proceeds from the lodge’s booth and food sales will benefit the Maine Children’s Cancer Program. The club will also sponsor free children’s activities such as bounce houses, a magic show and games with prizes of school supplies.
The Presque Isle Fire Department will be on hand to demonstrate its equipment and to provide educational material regarding fire safety.
Elroy the Elk, the mascot of the Elks Drug Awareness Program, will also be at the Street Fair. Free coloring books and other materials regarding drug awareness will be available.
“Area residents have enjoyed the Street Fair as the kickoff to the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest for several years,” said Donohue. “The Presque Isle Elks are pleased to sponsor this community event, which offers an enjoyable evening for the entire family and a chance to socialize with other members of our community in a fun and friendly setting.”
The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest runs Thursday, Aug. 25-Sunday, Aug. 28, based at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. Hosted by the Mapleton Lions Club, the event is scheduled to feature 12 balloons and pilots, as well as expansive activities at the fairgrounds, including vendors, food and evening balloon glows.
For a schedule and more information, visit crownofmaineballoonfest.org.
