PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On her third and final fall foliage tour of the season Sunday, before she hits the local holiday circuit later this year and then goes into “hibernation” until spring, Molly the Trolley carried about a dozen passengers from the Star City to Mars Hill to view nature’s beautiful autumn colors.
“We did three different routes this year, on three separate days,” Kim Smith, Presque Isle Historical Society volunteer, said Sunday. “We got to tell a little bit different history on each trip. Thankfully we still had some great foliage today even though the season was just past peak.”
Children, parents and seniors loaded onto Molly at the former Presque Isle fire house next to City Hall for Sunday’s three-hour tour.
Smith, at the front of the trolley facing the passengers, spoke into a microphone telling the tale of the Star City.
Behind the wheel was historical society volunteer and city councilman, Craig Green, who had his own microphone that allowed him to provide comic relief and entertainment along the ride.
First time Molly riders Lynn and Dwayne Dow of Washburn came for the foliage but stayed for the other sights and history, they said.
“Kim was very informative on the history,” Lynn Dow said as she recalled what she enjoyed about the drive. “People seemed to be enjoying themselves and it just was a nice atmosphere. It was a relaxing afternoon.”
Lynn Dow said Molly brings the community together. Dwayne Dow found seeing back roads around parts he’s never seen of The County quite interesting. The pair said they plan on returning for another ride next fall.
Before she goes into storage, Molly will ride in Presque Isle’s holiday light parade in December. She’ll be the star of the Wintergreen Art Center’s celebration of the Polar Express come Christmas time. And Smith said there may be plans for a holiday lights tour of the city.
Folks also can catch Molly during her Haunted Lantern Tours on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21..
For a full list of events visit pihistory.org.
