PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle City Council has found a solution for shade and shelter when it comes to public events.
Following a joint meeting with the planning board on Jan. 20, the five Presque Isle city councilors present briefly convened to vote on whether to buy a $4,000, 40-foot by 60-foot tent to use for outdoor events. The tent had been lightly used over the course of three years, and originally cost $9,000.
The Ashland Snowmobile Club had used the tent for their Big Woods Grass Drags event for a few years, according to Presque Isle City Councilor Kevin Freeman.
“When I heard they may be ready to sell it, I felt it was a good buy for the city. It seemed like the right thing to do at the right time. Price was half what a new one cost, so I approached city employees about how they could use it in the future, especially at outdoor events. City manager informed me it would have to be done during a city council meeting and voted to authorize the city manager to purchase the item.”
The Star City wants to use the tent for shade, as well as have a covered area for various outdoor events throughout the year. It also could be used by various departments. Money to pay for the tent would be taken from surplus funds, meaning no extra money would come from any of the residents of Presque Isle.
“Presque Isle’s outdoor festivals have increased over the past few years, from the Rockin’ On Riverside Events, to the Fourth of July Event, Crown of Maine Balloon Festival, Fiddlehead Festival to name a few,” Freeman said. “Most, if not all of these, are outdoor activities. In light of the pandemic and people enjoying more outdoor activities it seems like the city can utilize a covered area for certain outdoor events.”
In the end, the council voted 3-2 in favor of purchasing the tent.
