PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Hundreds of people gathered near the Presque Isle International Airport on Saturday for a day of patriotic community celebrations.
The first July 3 Jubilee featured a variety of family activities, such as a hot dog cookout, antique car show, live music and fireworks near the airport’s general aviation hangar.
Traditionally, Fourth of July weekend activities have been held on Riverside Drive. But with construction taking place near that location, city partners realized an opportunity to showcase the airport’s services and give the activities a new look and feel.
Kim Smith, a member of the Presque Isle Historical Society, said that the “jubilee” idea came about when the Maine Army National Guard Band offered to host a free concert in the city.
“That led us to thinking that we could add other events and partner with the Elks Club,” Smith said.
The Jubilee was a result of partnerships between the Historical Society, Presque Isle Elks Club, the Presque Isle Air Museum, the airport and city officials.
Throughout the afternoon, families enjoyed a barbecue-style cookout courtesy of Elks Club members and marveled at the array of antique cars on display, most of which were dated from the 1930s through the 1980s.
Keith Brown of Washburn and his family showcased two cars: a yellow 1980 Triumph TR-7 from his own collection and a green 1939 Plymouth that his late father, Bob Brown, once owned.
“I try to make it to as many [car shows] as I can,” Brown said.
In the evening, families and friends gathered on lawn chairs to listen to the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band perform classic and modern tunes from artists as varied as Huey Lewis, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton and Sara Bareilles. Early in their set, the band and a crowd of around 60 people stood for a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Given the success of this year’s jubilee, organizers hope that the event might become an annual tradition for Presque Isle.
“It was wonderful to give people such an opportunity to do so many fun things,” Smith said. “This is especially true after a year with no such celebrations.”
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Volunteers from the Presque Isle Elks Club serve hot dogs during the July 3 Jubilee. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Audience members stand for the national anthem during a concert from the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — July 3, 2021 — Keith and Sue Brown stand in front of their 1980 Triumph TR-7 with their granddaughters Anna, 8, (left) and Abby Diette, 6, during the July 3 Jubilee car show at the Presque Isle International Airport. (Melissa Lizotte | The Star Herald)
