HOULTON, Maine — Tourists traveling north on the I-95 have been looking toward the large question mark for answers to their destinations for the past 25 years. Whether they’re lost or just taking an unexpected detour, those travelers have not been left unaided thanks to the Visitor Information Center in Houlton.
On Thursday, Oct. 4, the center celebrated its 25th anniversary by honoring its loyal employees and by showing their appreciation to new visitors and area residents. Officials from the Maine Tourism Association were on hand to welcome and congratulate all those in attendance.
Pat Eltman, the director of the Maine Office of Tourism, paid her first visit to the Center and highlighted Houlton’s location on the Canadian border as the “first impression visitors have of Maine and the United States.”
“Visitor centers are an important part of receiving guests to Maine,” said Eltman. “Many of Houlton’s visitors are our neighbors to the north and being a welcoming point of entry contributes greatly to their overall experience. Houlton has provided exemplary service to the state’s largest industry; tourism and I’m very appreciative.”
Best wishes were sent to the center from Congressmen Mike Michaud, U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Rep. Pat Sutherland of Chapman, who was in attendance.
Houlton Town Councilor Sue Toretello was on hand to share her greetings with officials and the public. Tortello congratulated the Maine Tourism Association, CEO Vaughn Stinson, and his staff for all their efforts and thanked them for their continued progress in the town of Houlton.
“We’re just thrilled to have you here,” she said.
Stinson made his remarks while visitors gathered inside the information center and expressed the importance of promoting tourism, as well as giving visitors the best experience possible when traveling in the state.
“Each of the seven visitor centers managed by the Maine Tourism Association play a vital role in offering a warm reception and helpful information to Maine tourists,” he said. “We want their experiences to be positive from the very beginning of their trip.”
As part of the celebration, those in attendance were treated to a taste of Aroostook County by representatives from Stepping Stones, an organization that aids youth parents from the community. The group handed out 200 baked Aroostook County potatoes with the works.
The Houlton Visitors Information Center serves as a gateway to Maine from Canada and services approximately 40,000 visitors each year, as well as providing a charming and welcoming stop when traveling to and from Aroostook County and Canada.
The rustic, log building includes a large outdoor area with benches, picnic tables, grills and a playground for children.
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
HOME BAKED GOODNESS — These local ladies sit down to enjoy an Aroostook County baked potato during last week’s 25th anniversary celebration at the Houlton Visitor Information Center. From left are: Evelyn Delong, Dot Campbell and Adella Bennett.
On Thursday, Oct. 4, the center celebrated its 25th anniversary by honoring its loyal employees and by showing their appreciation to new visitors and area residents. Officials from the Maine Tourism Association were on hand to welcome and congratulate all those in attendance.
Pat Eltman, the director of the Maine Office of Tourism, paid her first visit to the Center and highlighted Houlton’s location on the Canadian border as the “first impression visitors have of Maine and the United States.”
“Visitor centers are an important part of receiving guests to Maine,” said Eltman. “Many of Houlton’s visitors are our neighbors to the north and being a welcoming point of entry contributes greatly to their overall experience. Houlton has provided exemplary service to the state’s largest industry; tourism and I’m very appreciative.”
Best wishes were sent to the center from Congressmen Mike Michaud, U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins and Rep. Pat Sutherland of Chapman, who was in attendance.
Houlton Town Councilor Sue Toretello was on hand to share her greetings with officials and the public. Tortello congratulated the Maine Tourism Association, CEO Vaughn Stinson, and his staff for all their efforts and thanked them for their continued progress in the town of Houlton.
“We’re just thrilled to have you here,” she said.
Stinson made his remarks while visitors gathered inside the information center and expressed the importance of promoting tourism, as well as giving visitors the best experience possible when traveling in the state.
“Each of the seven visitor centers managed by the Maine Tourism Association play a vital role in offering a warm reception and helpful information to Maine tourists,” he said. “We want their experiences to be positive from the very beginning of their trip.”
As part of the celebration, those in attendance were treated to a taste of Aroostook County by representatives from Stepping Stones, an organization that aids youth parents from the community. The group handed out 200 baked Aroostook County potatoes with the works.
The Houlton Visitors Information Center serves as a gateway to Maine from Canada and services approximately 40,000 visitors each year, as well as providing a charming and welcoming stop when traveling to and from Aroostook County and Canada.
The rustic, log building includes a large outdoor area with benches, picnic tables, grills and a playground for children.
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
HOME BAKED GOODNESS — These local ladies sit down to enjoy an Aroostook County baked potato during last week’s 25th anniversary celebration at the Houlton Visitor Information Center. From left are: Evelyn Delong, Dot Campbell and Adella Bennett.
