Next year, 2020, will mark Maine’s 200th anniversary as a state. Maine became the 23rd state in the United States on March 15, 1820.
The road to statehood was a long and complicated process with many controversies and diverse opinions. The state bicentennial provides a unique opportunity to think about current issues from an historical perspective so we can better understand the present and better plan for Maine’s next 100 years.
The City of Presque Isle in partnership with Presque Isle Historical Society has BIG plans for 2020. The historical society applied for and recently received official endorsement from the State for the celebration here in Presque Isle, which allows us to use the special bicentennial logo and more.
The Maine Bicentennial Commission has informed the City that the State’s celebration will kick off here in Presque Isle on July 26 of THIS year. (Statehood was applied for on July 26, 1819, but not granted until March 15, 1820.) The July 26th event will be held first thing in the morning centered at the Sargent Family Community Center with a special visit from Governor Mills and a dedication of three Eastern White Pine trees. More details on this event with be coming soon.
In 1920, many of the celebrations held around the state were in the month of July. Presque Isle, however, held its week-long celebration in September. This was primarily due to the agricultural nature of our community.
Maine’s State Symbols will play a role in local festivities. These include the chickadee (Maine State bird), the pine (state tree), honey bee (state insect), tourmaline (state gemstone), moose (state animal), blueberry (state fruit), Moxie (state soft drink), whoopee pie (state treat), blueberry pie (state dessert), wintergreen (state herb), and the Maine Coon Cat (state cat).
The Steering Committee for the celebration is in the process of being formed and has not yet met, but it is hoped that there will be events throughout the year with two larger celebrations held on March 15, 2020 for Statehood Day and another in September.
Some of the activities being contemplated include a parade, fireworks, a blueberry recipe contest, a whoopie pie contest, a “traditions” day showcasing old time skills, book readings, exhibits of historical objects and photos, various presentations, and activities that will involve local students from elementary to college levels.
Kimberly Smith is the resource development and public information officer for the city of Presque Isle. She can be reached at 760-2722 or via email at
