Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – People of all ages turned out June 26 to make the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Strawberry Shortcake Sale a success once again.
“We had a wonderful day on Thursday. The weather was perfect for the sale. This was the 19th annual shortcake sale,” said Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC.
Sales were up considerably over the Chamber’s first sale nearly two decades ago.
“The first year there were around 450 strawberry shortcakes sold. This year, we sold over 2,800 and were sold out by 4:15 p.m.,” she said.
Of the 2,800 strawberry shortcakes sold, more than 1,800 were pre-sold.
Fowler expressed gratitude to the many area businesses who made this year’s sale such a success.
“Thank you to all the businesses in Presque Isle, Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill and Mapleton who supported this major fund-raiser for the PIACC. The proceeds will be used to help provide services to the members of the Chamber,” said Fowler. “Pepsi provided a cooler for storage; KeyBank let us use their electricity; the Presque Isle Fire Department not only let us use their canopies, they also set them up and removed them for us; Derik Smith also loaned us a canopy; the Presque Isle Recreation Department loaned us tables and chairs; and Graves Shop N Save allowed us to store the strawberries and whipped topping at their store – all elements essential to our success.”
While local businesses and organizations played a major role in this year’s successful sale, Fowler said it was the customers who really made the difference.
“I’d also like to thank all the people who dropped by the sale site to pick up shortcakes for themselves, friends and family members,” said Fowler.
In many cases, groups of friends or several members of a family could be spotted purchasing the yummy summer dessert together. Such was the case for Isabelle Sterris and her grandparents.
“Isabelle is staying with us for a bit. She’s 17 months old and lives in Fort Kent. We love to have her around. She’s such a joy,” said Patricia Sterris, Isabelle’s grandmother, as her grandfather, John Graves helped the toddler with her strawberry treat.
Sterris said this was Isabelle’s first time eating the dessert.
“We weren’t sure if she’d like it but figured we’d let her try it,” said Isabelle’s grandmother, as the girl quickly determined whipped cream and strawberries made for some pretty good eating.
Fowler and a number of volunteers had the routine down in no time, cutting biscuits for the dishes, scooping strawberries and topping each container off with whipped topping, before sealing with lids and stacking for sale or delivery. This year’s sale figure was similar to past events.
“The number of strawberry shortcakes sold was about the average number for recent years. The popularity remains strong and all comments received were favorable,” said Fowler.
Fowler credited a high-quality product for customer satisfaction.
“The quality of the product was high this year. Proper storage of the products prior to the sale created ideal conditions for making the shortcakes,” said Fowler.
Deliveries were made by a number of volunteers, while other helpers prepared the summer sweets.
“Drivers included: Personal Services of Aroostook drivers, Milt Smith, Tom Lunn and members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Miss Presque Isle 2008 Germaine Scott and Junior Miss Mapleton 2008 Michaela Powers assisted in preparation of the strawberry shortcakes, as did Jim Carter, Milt Smith, Tom Lunn and members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors,” said Fowler, who also did her share in preparing the shortcakes.
This year, the biscuits were purchased from KFC/Taco Bell.
“Derik Smith and his staff produced the biscuits for the sale. The remainder of the product was purchased from a commercial food supplier,” Fowler explained.
Fowler expressed gratitude to Robin Carter for chairing the committee and organizing the event. She thanked Valerie Lunn, the PIACC’s administrative assistant, for her “dedication to selling shortcakes, preparing the order schedule and manning the office phones on Thursday.”
“Thank you to all the people who worked at the sale site, the drivers and, of course, the buyers,” she said.
Plans are already being made for next year’s sale, said Fowler, noting that in addition to the city’s sesquicentennial, the event will also be celebrating a milestone.
“I am looking forward to an equally successful year in 2009 as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce’s Strawberry Shortcake Sale,” said Fowler. “We look forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces, as well as some new ones, to help us mark the special occasion.”
For more information on the PIACC, contact 764-6561.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CUSTOMERS lined up at left to purchase strawberry shortcakes at the June 26 annual sale to benefit the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce. Pictured preparing and selling the treats are, at right, in front: Theresa Fowler, executive director of the PIACC; and behind the table, from left: Derik Smith, member of the PIACC Board of Directors; Miss Presque Isle 2008 Germaine Scott; Junior Miss Mapleton 2008 Michaela Powers; and Jim Carter, member of the Board of Directors.
