PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — A local group will continue the traditional Maine-Quebec Caravan in February, celebrating the event’s 61st anniversary.
On a cold February morning in 1957 a group of area businessmen and Sen. John H. Reed left Ashland on an adventure to promote the construction of a Maine-Quebec Highway, which was believed would help the economy of the Ashland area.
According to Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, the group used the roads built and maintained by logging operations in the North Maine Woods. Traveling about 150 miles through the woods in 1957 was a bit more challenging and risky than it is today.
This year’s caravan will leave Dean’s Motor Lodge at 7 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, using the private roads which have been prepared for car traffic for 60-plus years by the companies that own and operate logging operations in the area. The tour will proceed to St. Pamphile, Levis and Quebec City, where among other activities they will enjoy the Quebec Winter Carnival.
For more information or to register, contact Fowler at 764-6561 or tfowler@centralaroostookchamber.com, or via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maine-Quebec-Winter-Carnival-Caravan.
The registration deadline is Jan. 25.
