Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Bow hunters to bass fishermen, kayakers to canoeists, mountain climbers to moose callers turned out for Sportsman’s Show 2009, hosted by the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club March 28 and 29.
Attendance was down a bit from last year, with organizers indicating the weather and the economy most likely was the cause for the drop over last year’s event.
“We had about 4,000 people attend this year’s show. The current economy, combined with a nice weekend weather-wise, factored in,” said Nick Archer, event co-chair.
Archer said the weekend, over all, was “great.”
“We had a lot of children in attendance, enjoying the air gun range, the fish pond. We had 350 registered at the fish pond,” said Archer, noting the annual festivities are geared to a big extent toward getting children involved with outdoor recreation.
“Proceeds from the show go toward a scholarship fund, which provides local children an opportunity to attend conservation camp,” said Archer.
“The Trout Unlimited people were very happy with the county kids. They were pleased with the response (at the fish pond),” Archer said.
A number of prizes were given out during the two-day event, including a canoe and flat-screen TV.
“Ken Russell, of Lineus, was our canoe winner,” said Archer. “We also gave away fly rods every hour. We plan to continue that next year.”
The moose-calling contest drew some interesting moose impersonators, with contestants taking the stage at Weiden Auditorium to offer their rendition of the majestic Maine mammal. Kevin Deschaine, Madawaska, placed first; Tony Sappier, Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick, finished second; and Simon Noel, Estcourt, Quebec, took third place. A lucky audience member also took home a prize this year.
“Alice Pryor, of New Brunswick, had the winning ticket and took home a 32-inch flat-screen RCA television,” said Archer.
Archer wished to thank all the sponsors and participants who made this year’s show a success.
“We’d like to thank our sponsors. We couldn’t do this without them,” said Archer, “and UMPI in particular. And Mary Lawrence is the best. We’d also like to express our thanks to everyone for their help and for attending.”
Plans are already being made for 2010.
“Next year’s in the works. We’ve got big things planned — have a lot of ideas already,” said Archer.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LUCK OF THE DRAW — Alice Pryor, of New Brunswick, was the winner of a 32-inch flat screen RCA television. Pryor’s ticket was drawn March 28, during this year’s moose-calling contest, a popular event held each year as part of the Sportsman’s Show. Pryor is pictured with Nick Archer, co-chair of the event, at left, and Barry Flood, president of the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club, at right.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TYING ONE ON — The fly-tying booth was one of the most popular at this year’s Sportsman’s Show, with folks of all ages trying their hand at the craft.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
PREPARING FOR SUMMER — Turnout was good for the Presque Isle Fish & Game Club’s Sportsman’s Show 2009, held at Gentile Hall March 28. Those attending the show had the opportunity to check out a variety of vendors, from sporting camps to goods and services geared toward those who love outdoor activities.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
I THINK I CAN — This young lad leaned as far as he could, hoping to catch a big one in the ‘fish pond’ at this year’s sporting show in Presque Isle.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
YOUTH ACTIVITIES at this year’s Sportsman’s Show, held at Gentile Hall in Presque Isle March 28, included a shooting range. Here, a young lady takes aim, as other youngsters watch to see if she can hit her mark.
