Historical Pavilion attendance sets record
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Interest was strong again this year for the Historical Pavilion’s many displays, located at the Forum, during the Northern Maine Fair.
TOP HONORS at the 15th annual Historical Pavilion during the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle included, from left: Sue and Jeff Roberts’ Civil War display, Best Living History Demonstration; Kim Smith, Presque Isle Historical Society, Most Knowledgeable Staff; Jason Parent and Michele Slike, TAMC, Best Display by a Business; Richard Rand, owner of a 1946 potato truck, Best Artifact; and Guy Landry and John Robertson, Portage Lake Historical Society, Best Overall Exhibit. 
“The 15th annual Historical Pavilion, a part of the Northern Maine Fair, was a huge success with over 800 visitors during the 12-hour exhibit. As a means to draw additional fairgoers and to develop interest in our local history, the Historical Pavilion was established as part of the fair in 1997,” said Kim Smith, treasurer for the Presque Isle Historical Society and director of the Historical Pavilion.
Smith said this year, exhibits represented a wide range of interests, including businesses showcasing their rich history in Aroostook County.
“There were fascinating living history demonstrators, genealogy workshops, interesting and unique historical artifacts, and knowledgeable staff to enrich everyone’s experience as they strolled through the amazing displays,” she said.
The Pavilion runs for three days, Tuesday through Thursday, every year during the fair, with hours 4-8 p.m. providing an opportunity for those who work all day to take in the displays.
“This year was the biggest ever in terms of attendance and one of the largest in number of exhibitors,” said Carol Bell, vice president of the Northern Maine Fair. “One visitor said she hadn’t been in several years, but this year’s Pavilion was extremely well-organized with a wide variety that appealed to many different interests.”
Artifacts this year ran the gamut from agricultural antiques such as a seeder to a wreath made from human hair.
“The public responded to the show with record-breaking balloting for their favorite displays,” said Smith.
Winners in each category included:
• Best Artifact — the 1946 potato truck owned by Richard Rand;
• Best Living History Demonstration — Jeff Roberts for his Civil War re-enactment;
• Best Display by a Business — The Aroostook Medical Center with its recreation of a hospital room from 100 years ago as TAMC celebrates its 100th anniversary this year;
• Most Knowledgeable Staff – Presque Isle Historical Society; and
• Best Overall Exhibit – Portage Lake Historical Society.
For more information on the Historical Pavilion, call 762-1151.
