‘Last of the Breed’ concert proves profitable to city

    What is a large event such as the recent “Last of the Breed” concert worth to the City? The Forum’s net income from the concert was $6,797.53. Additional income from the percentage of the beer sales was $1,020 with another $1,875.00 from the facility fee placed on each ticket sold going to the reserve account for building improvements. Concessions and vending sales during the event garnered another $3,531.22. Not a bad payday but a ton of work.     As good as these figures are they pale when compared to what was spent by patrons, promoters and even the acts themselves right here in the county! Conversations with local businesses confirm that business was booming on the concert weekend. Hotels, restaurants and campgrounds were full from Caribou to Houlton. Service stations and shopping centers were extremely busy. How much was spent we will never know but spend they did, providing a welcome economic windfall to the area.
    The success of this event provides The Forum with a reputation for the ability to handle larger shows and, while there is no guarantee, opens the door for more major events to take place here. Another item of note was how successful and important the co-operation with other city departments and area organizations was to the event. Thanks go to the following; Presque Isle Police Dept., Fire Dept., Airport, Recreation and Parks Dept., Industrial Council, Public Works Dept., the Star City ATV Club, Northern Maine Fair Association and all the individuals that stepped in and provided all the help that was required. This help was critical to providing a successful event and shows how well people can work for a common goal.
    We at The Forum breathe a collective sigh of relief that we finally pulled this concert off but we happily look forward to another.
    James F. Kaiser is Forum Director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be reached at 764-0491 or online at theforum@mfx.net.