City earns best business display
PI Fire Department history takes prize
PRESQUE ISLE — For the second year in a row, the City of Presque Isle earned first-place honors for their exhibit in the Historical Pavilion at the Northern Maine Fair.
Contributed photo
TOP CHOICE — Presque Isle Fire Chief Darrell White holds the “Best Display by a Business” award the Fire Department won during the recent Historical Pavilion, part of the Northern Maine Fair. The exhibit featured photos and artifacts of the department, including fire chiefs since 1899. 
This year’s exhibit was on the history of the Presque Isle Fire Department and the historic fire station, and earned the award for Best Display by a Business.
Each year, public voting selects the winners in the various categories. Other winners this year included: the Isaie Martin Acadian Homestead, Madawaska, Best Overall Exhibit; Aroostook County Genealogical Society, Most Knowledgeable Staff; Jeff Roberts, Civil War re-enactor, Best Living History Display; and Richard Rand’s 1946 Potato Truck, Best Historical Artifact.
The decision to participate in the pavilion was partially driven by the City’s mission, which is to preserve Presque Isle’s heritage and natural beauty while delivering public programs and services that encourage health, happiness and prosperity.
The exhibit featured over 40 8-x-10 photographs featuring the fire chiefs through the years, beginning with Sidney Cook in 1899 and culminating with the current chief, Darrell White, along with various antique fire engines, memorable fires from 1900 to today, the Hose House, the historic fire station and the fire horses. In addition, an antique fire chief’s hat, a dress hat and an antique copper extinguisher were on display.
This was the 19th year of the Historical Pavilion. Booth space is free in the pavilion for museums, historical societies and businesses over 40 years old who wish to highlight their history in the community. Typically, there are over 40 exhibits visited by over 1,000 people during the three-day event, which takes place during the fair.
