‘Flower sales were a bit slow, but I think that’s largely due to the snow still being on the ground.’
PI Kiwanian
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – When it comes to throwing a 25th anniversary bash, the Kiwanis Club of Presque Isle really knows how to throw a party.
PIPD’S ROB THIBEAULT and Dozer, the PIPD’s drug-sniffing canine, demonstrated the dog’s capabilities at detected drugs, with the help of some volunteers, during the Kiwanis Show at the Forum. The annual expo saw a steady flow of visitors on Saturday and Sunday with vendors and local non-profits fying for “best of show” display honors.
The Presque Isle Kiwanis Home, Garden & Recreation Show saw a steady flow of visitors on Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, at the Forum. With displays ranging from boats, RVs and sweet confections to animals up for adoption, patio furniture, the Presque Isle Fire Department and Presque Isle Police Department, this year’s event had something for everyone, regardless of age.
“We had quite the turnout. Participants had the opportunity to vote for their favorite exhibit and public response was amazing,” said Kathie Beaulieu, one of the event organizers.
The People’s Choice award went to the Presque Isle Police Department whose exhibit included demonstrations by Officer Rob Thibeault and Dozer, the department’s drug-sniffing canine. With the help of volunteers, the pair repeatedly found hidden drugs, much to the amazement of onlookers.
Officers also did Taser demonstrations, with officers showing what happens when an individual gets zapped – with one officer doing the shooting while another served as the ‘criminal’ being shot. Such demonstrations proved to be a real attention-getter for the PIPD’s booth. McGruff the Crime Dog was on hand to greet children, while officers took youth fingerprints for parents’ peace of mind.
“Participating in the show gave us (the PIPD) an opportunity to interact with the public, share safety information. It was a great opportunity for the public and officers to meet and get to know one another,” said Sgt. Joey Seeley.
Other awards included: Best Small Exhibit for Garden Gate Fabrics & Pfaff Pfanatic; Best Large Exhibit for Crown Equipment; and Special Mention to the garden display sponsored by Lowe’s and designed by Stone Art Landscaping’s Greg Doak.
D&M Sales, of Medway, had a rather eco-friendly exhibit, in time for Earth Day, with its Aqua Cycle.
“I just started (distributing) last summer. A friend asked me to distribute them in the East. I began in Maine and now have dealers in Maine and New Hampshire, including D&M. We’re looking at Massachusetts now – really targeting all of New England,” said Dale Landrith, distributor of the Aqua Cycle, as he sat on one of the crafts, peddling the machine like a bicycle. “This is as green as it gets.”
With no fuel tanks to fill, Landrith said it was an economically healthy way to travel the waterways.
“The old paddle boats are more for kids. These are very stable and come in versions for two to four people,” said Landrith.
Curtis Lewin also hoped to attract folks interested in traversing the waterways.
“I’m selling tickets on a 21-foot Scott canoe, complete with trailer,” said Lewin. “Tickets sell for $10 each and all proceeds will go toward the youth fishing derby at Mantle Lake Park or park upgrades. The drawing will be May 31 at the park.”
A number of prizes were also won at this year’s show.
“The child’s wheelbarrow gardening set was won by Macey Barker,” said Beaulieu. “Jeanita Theriault won a cedar planter set. The Boston Garden Show trip, valued at $400, was won by Judy Levesque. Judy has the option of cashing out the prize for $400.”
Other winners included Roger Haines, who won a three-month County Physical Therapy membership, and Donna Boyce, who won a $50 Cook Florist gift certificate.
Beaulieu saw only one area where the show could have done better.
“Flower sales were a bit slow, but I think that’s largely due to the snow still being on the ground. Last year, the snow was pretty much gone by now,” said Beaulieu.
Nonetheless, Beaulieu said club members were pleased with this year’s show.
“We had a great turnout. We saw so many families. Everyone seemed to have a good time,” said Beaulieu. “It was definitely a success.”
