Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – Some new attractions for the young and young-at-heart will be featured at the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club Sportsman’s Show 2008, scheduled to take place on April 5 and 6 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Gentile Hall.
Contributed photo
A trout pond is being added to the lineup of exhibits at this year’s Sportsman’s Show at UMPI April 5 and 6, with catch and release fishing allowed for youngsters at a nominal fee.
“We’re adding a trout pond. Since the beginning, it was something we wanted to do. We’ve done it this year – created a way to let kids fish,” said Nick Archer, co-chair of the event, noting the increased number of exhibits geared toward children. “It will be catch-and-release for kids, with a nominal fee charged – to allow everyone a better opportunity to catch something.”
The 1,500-gallon pond is one of about 80 exhibits for visitors to enjoy at this year’s show.
“We’ll have the regulars, of course, like the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, SAM (Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine),” said Charlie Beck, co-chair of the event.
One familiar face will be absent from this year’s show. Arthur Howell won’t be bringing animals up from his refuge in Amity this year due to complaints he’s received about exhibit the animals in such a fashion.
“Some people just don’t understand that exhibits like Art’s actually serve to educate the public on how to treat animals. Those in his care got there at the hands of people who didn’t care. Art’s goal has always been to teach people to care,” said Archer.
Beck said he and Archer have spent several months putting together this year’s event, talking with folks from all over to get just the right exhibits.
“We usually go to the Bangor and Augusta shows in March to pick up exhibits. We’ve got a man from Sanford who’s coming up to exhibit antique camping and ice fishing gear. Riverside Restaurant will be set up in the front this year, with more room for seating for folks to rest and enjoy a meal,” said Beck.
Children will once again be able to try their hand at UMPI’s rock-climbing wall. When done with the wall, area youth will have other sporting options available.
“The Maine Winter Sports Center will have a laser rifle range. Maine Bowhunters will have a range set up to shoot deer replicas. Maine’s Trout Unlimited will be teaching kids primarily to tie flies,” said Beck.
“This is a fabulous year for kids. It’s all standard, good stuff for kids and adults,” said Archer.
Seminars and demonstrations on kayaking and flyfishing will also be offered.
“Seminars and demonstrations are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, we’ll have a kayak demonstration in the pool at 10 a.m. On Sunday, there will be flyfishing for Muskie on the St. John River beginning at 11 a.m.,” said Beck.
For those inclined to try their hand – or voice – at moose calling, a contest is scheduled for Saturday night at Wieden Auditorium.
“The field of judges includes UMPI President Don Zillman, George Smith of SAM, several retired wardens and an audience member. There are $500 in prizes and the event is sponsored by Presque Isle Savings Bank of Maine,” said Beck.
Whether you’re looking for the latest in fishing equipment or want to check out the latest ATV and related gear, this year’s show will be the place to find everything a sportsman needs. Many exhibitors will also be offering drawings and free giveaways.
“We’ll have everything we always had and more,” said Archer. “We can’t thank our sponsors enough for their continued support.”
Hours for the event are: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $4 for children and adults, with children 10 and under admitted free of charge. This year’s door prize is an Old Town Canoe.
“This year’s theme is ‘kids and the outdoors.’ We’ve worked hard on the theme of the outdoors and kids – combining the two. These are ways kids and their parents can enjoy time together – activities to do together. We’ve worked on diversity for this year’s show and I think we’ve got just that,” said Archer.
Contributed photos
Kayla Siddiqui, left, was one of three lucky winners of a pair of L.L. Bean snowshoes from the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the recent Caribou Winter Carnival. Here, Jeannie McLaughlin, CCC&I’s project coordinator makes the presentation.
Contributed photo
Jared Doody receives a pair of LL Bean snowshoes from Jenny Coon, assistant projects coordinator at the Caribou Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Jared won the snowshoes from the chamber during the annual Caribou Winter Carnival.
Abbie McNeal proudly shows off her LL Bean snowshoes she won from the Caribou Chamber of Commerce during the recent winter carnival. Abbie was one of three lucky winners who name was drawn during the annual event.
