Maine Office of Tourism Road Show Comes to Waterville

Date: December 30, 2009

PRESS RELEASE

Maine Office of Tourism Road Show

Comes to Waterville

Maine Office of Tourism invites everyone involved in tourism and hospitality to an informational session on tourism strategies and current visitor trends. This is an interactive session involving the Maine Office of
Tourism, Swardlick Marketing Group, Portland Web Works and Davidson-Peterson Associates.

“I hope to see many businesses represented when the Office of Tourism presents our marketing strategies to the Kennebec Valley tourism region. This is an opportunity to hear region specific research findings and to learn what we are doing to market Maine,” said Office of Tourism Director, Patricia Eltman. “Tourism is Maine’s largest industry and impacts businesses of all kinds throughout the region. This is a chance to communicate openly about challenges and opportunities that exist in the region,” she added.

Date:              January 28, 2010

Where:          Hampton Inn, 425 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville

When:           Thursday 10a.m. to Noon.

To make a reservation to attend the presentation, contact Tanya Bentley, 623-4883 or tanya@kennebecvalley.org

Media Advisory; Park Passes On Sale for Holiday Gift-Giving

Date: November 20, 2009

Department of Conservation

Bureau of Parks and Lands        Maine Forest Service
Maine Geological Survey and Natural Areas Program
Land Use Regulation Commission

Media Advisory

 Please deliver to the city or assignment editor

 Nov. 19, 2009
Contact:  Jeanne Curran, (207) 287-3156

Park Passes On Sale for Holiday Gift-Giving

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine state park passes for 2010 – the 75^th anniversary year for the Maine state park system -- are now on sale for holiday gift giving.

The park passes, which offer unlimited day use at all 47 state parks and historic sites, can be used throughout the year by Maine residents and non-residents, according to Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands officials.

“It’s such a great idea to give the gift of year-round outdoor recreation in some of Maine’s most beautiful places,” Will Harris, BPL director, said. “There is so much to do and enjoy -- from our winter “Take It Outside!” activities to all the traditional seasonal activities of beach-going, hiking, boating, and picnicking at some of the best spots in the state. And no one wants to miss any of the great events this year at our historical sites.”

 The passes are available for $35 for an individual pass or $70 for a vehicle pass, available to residents and non-residents. The vehicle pass allows park entry to all occupants of a vehicle weighing up to 1 ton.

 Maine residents 65 and older are allowed free day use at all parks and historic sites. Children 5 to 11 years old pay only $1, while children under 5 are free.

 A park pass can offer a substantial savings for an individual who wants to use the parks for regular recreating, such as bikers and joggers. The vehicle passes can provide even more savings for a family and therefore make an excellent family gift, Harris pointed out.

 Savings for a Maine family of four can be up to $16 per day after five visits, the BPL director said. Non-residents also would start saving immediately, he said.

 “It makes good economic sense to plan ahead with a day-use park pass,” Harris said. “We’re all thinking that way.”

 Another reason to purchase passes for the holiday season is that many of the parks are planning winter activities, and the passes allow admission for all the fun, Harris said.

 “Our ‘Take It Outside’ winter family fun days start in January, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on all the sledding, skiing, skating and ice fishing that’s going to take place,” the BPL director said.

 Winter activities begin on Sunday, Jan. 17, with the Youth Ice Fishing Derby at Lake St. George State Park in Liberty. Other events include:

• “Take It Outside” Winter Family Fun Day, Saturday, Jan. 30, Mount Blue State Park
  Weld, Maine;

• “Take It Outside!” Winter Family Fun Day, Saturday, Feb. 20, at Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle.

 A full calendar of events will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 1, through the BPL website.

Park passes can be purchased in several ways. Maine residents can buy them when they file their State of Maine income tax. The passes also can be purchased when visitors first go to a park or historic site during the park season.

Passes also can be purchased:

• Online at http://www.mainestateparkpass.com  -- the easiest and fastest way to make a purchase;

• By calling the Bureau of Parks and Lands' campsite reservation office (207-287-2209) to use a Visa, Discover, or Mastercard;

• By mailing a check or money order to: Department of Conservation, Attn.: Reservations Office, 22 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333-0022. Make your check payable to: Treasurer, State of Maine.

• By visiting the Augusta Office, Bureau of Parks and Lands, Department of Conservation, Harlow Building, 18 Elkins Lane (AMHI Campus), Augusta, Maine, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Park passes can’t be used at Baxter State Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, The Penobscot River Corridor, Penobscot Narrows Observatory, Maine Wildlife Park, or Scarborough Beach.

For more information, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com

Or go to: http://www.mainestateparkpass.com

Maine's Fall Foliage on Track for Colorful Show

Date: September 22, 2009

Foliage Report for September 16, 2009

Maine's Fall Foliage on Track for Colorful Show

AUGUSTA, Maine – The rain that soaked Maine during the first half of the summer was good for something. Leaf-bearing trees throughout the state benefited from the wet weather, and are now healthy and primed for their annual color change according to the first fall foliage report from the state Department of Conservation. To get a full report check out: click here.

2 Exhibits Bringing Crowds In

Date: August 24, 2009

AUGUSTA -- Visitation to the Maine State Museum was up more than 8 percent last fiscal year thanks in part to two new exhibits, the museum's chief educator said recently.

Total visitation from July 2008 to June 2009 was 59,203 -- an 8.4 percent increase over the previous year, Joanna Torow said.

Since last fall, two new major exhibits opened at the museum -- "At Home in Maine" and "Uncommon Threads: Wabanaki Textiles, Clothing and Costume."

"They created a buzz," she said.

In addition, a rainy spring and summer helped bring in more people. In May, there was a 21 percent increase over the previous May, and in June, visits were up 30 percent compared to a year ago.

Torow said she's hoping a hot August will draw in those who are looking for a break from the heat.

One recent visitor told Torow they had canceled a family trip to the Boston science museum, opting to stay closer to home.

With many museums charging nearly $20 a ticket, the $2 admission price in Maine is attractive to families.

"We're worth the money," she said.

The "At Home in Maine" exhibit opened last fall after more than 10 years of work.

It features 1,000 domestic artifacts and occupies nearly all of the fourth floor of the museum.

"Uncommon Threads" will be on display at least through May 2010, before it hits the road to travel to other museums in the United States and Canada, according to the museum Web site.

The 100 objects in this collection showcase textiles of the Wabanaki.

The museum is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Hours are Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children age 6-18.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com

Full Speed Ahead for Local Artisan and Grist Mill

Date: May 7, 2009

Full Speed Ahead for development of Grist Mill and Artisan Shop in Skowhegan

Morning Sentinel - 5/7/2009

That was the sentiment expressed Wednesday by Amber Lambke of Skowhegan after Somerset County Commissioners unanimously approved the sale of the century-old county jail to Lambke's Somerset Grist Mill LLC.

"It's been a long road and it's finally come to a successful conclusion," Commissioner Gerald York of Fairfield said following the vote that amounts to a compromise for parking and a pedestrian walkway between Lambke and John Moore, owner of the nearby Strand Cinema.

Film Festival - A Large Deal for a Little City

Date: April 14, 2009

Lumina 2009 Film Festival in Waterville, Maine - A big deal

Date: April 14, 2009

The Maine Film Center presents
Lumina 2009, April 17-19

The Maine Film Center, parent organization of the Maine International Film Festival, is proud to present a new annual celebration of film that will bring filmmakers and visitors from around the world to Waterville. Lumina will be a three day festival of film, food, live music, and fun designed to promote the exchange of cultures and ideas. Held in partnership with the American Film Institute's PROJECT 20/20, Lumina will include both feature films from around the world and Maine based films.

Visit www.miff.org for schedule information.

Lumina 2009 is sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank and MPBN.

1,700 Mile Endurance Snowmobile Race Won by Rookie Team from Jackman, Maine

Date: March 25, 2009

Maine Maple Sunday Success

Date: March 23, 2009

The Kennebec Journal reports Maine Maple Sunday to live on as a Maine Tradition.  "Old Fort Western came alive Sunday as families learned about the intricate process of making Maine maple syrup -- as well as sampling the goodies that have syrup in them. Maine Maple Sunday is considered an annual family outing for many Maine families. Sarah Austin's family is no exception."  Click here to read full article

Maine Maple Sunday this March 22, 2009

Date: March 17, 2009

Visit a Sugar Shack this

Maine Maple Sunday - March 22, 2009

Enjoy the first sweet taste of Spring this weekend by visiting a sugar shack in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region of Maine.  With warming temperatures, the sap is rising from the roots of the maple trees and is on its way to the branches.  Taps are set up on maple trees to capture this natural process to make maple syrup.  A sugar shack, also known as a sap house, is where you can see firsthand how 40 gallons of tree sap magically turns into 1 gallon of pure sweet maple syrup. 

Maple production is a growth industry, and maple syrup is undoubtedly Maine's most delicious natural resource. In the heart of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, lies Somerset County which produces more maple syrup than any other county in the United States.  Maine's maple producers open up the doors of their sugar shacks on the fourth Sunday in March to celebrate what's known as Maine Maple Sunday. 

Most sugarhouses offer free tastings and live demonstrations on how syrup is produced from tap to table.  Many offer a variety of other treats and activities, including syrup on pancakes or ice cream, sugar bush tours, and sleigh or wagon rides.  Come join the tradition by tasting this all natural and preservative free Maine maple product.  For information on activities and visiting sugar shacks in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region take a look at this list of participating businesses:

SOMERSET COUNTY

HAULKS MAPLE

Madison: 882 Lakewood Road. Rte 201, 1/4 mile north of Lakewood Golf Course.

Description of Activities:

Tour of sugarhouse, demonstration of syrup-making process. Sample baked goods made with maple syrup. Free recipes. Maple syrup and

maple products for sale. Call ahead on other days. Open by chance.

Other Information: retail sales offered

Hours Open: 9:00 - 4:30

Phone: 207-474-8047 haulksmaple@beeline-online.net

LINWOOD ACRES

Canaan: From South, I95 to exit 133, take US 201 North toward Skowhegan, 6.5 miles, turn right on Rt. 23 (past Caverly's Country Market) 5.9

miles, turn left on Moores Mill Rd. End of the road (approx. 1 mile). From North, I95 to Exit 157 Newport; US Rt. 2 West toward Skowhegan

for about 15 miles. Turn left on Rt. 23 in Canaan village (before Canaan Irving and Dunkin Donuts), 1.5 miles, turn right on the Moores Mill Rd.

Description of Activities:

Ethan, Emilee and Ashton Robertson invite you to their small family sugarhouse. We offer coffee, donuts, free samples, and maple soda.

Open Saturday and Sunday.

Other Information: retail sales offered

Hours Open: 9:00 - 3:00

Phone: 207-474-5090 agr1093@yahoo.com

LUCE'S MAINE MAPLE SYRUP

Anson: From Madison: cross Madison bridge turn left onto Rt 148 and continue to 5 Corners. Turn onto Rt 148 and continue 1/2 mile bear right

onto Pease Hill Rd for 5 miles. Saphouse is on the right.

Description of Activities:

Tour saphouse, sample maple dishes, ice cream with maple syrup. Maple Syrup and maple products.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, handicapped accessible

Hours Open: 11:00 am-4 pm

Phone: 207-696-3732 info@mainefarmsbrand.com

http://www.mainefarmsbrand.com

MAPLE LEAF FARMS

Cornville: Rte. 2 East from Skowhegan proceed 2.5 miles to the blinking light intersection of East Ridge Road and Rte. 2. Turn left onto East

Ridge Road, go 7 miles to Bowman Road, turn right, first driveway on the right. Look for signs.

Description of Activities:

Spend a day with the family in the Maine woods. Sugarhouse tours, sugarbush tours, pancakes, baked beans, and other maple products for sale.

Other Information: restrooms available, retail sales offered

Hours Open: We will be unable to be open on Maine Maple Sunday this year but will be open most days when the sap is running. Please call

ahead 207-431-7877.

Phone: 207-431-7877 klcrops@beeline-online.net

SMITH BROTHERS MAPLE

Skowhegan: Go 2 miles south on back road. Turn right on Rowe Road, 3rd. place on left.

Description of Activities:

Watch maple sugaring process. Traditional methods used with oil fired evaporator. Samples of maple Syrup on ice cream, maple cream and

cookies. Easy access on Rowe Road. Visitors welcome anytime we are boiling.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, retail sales offered

Hours Open: 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Phone: 207-474-3491 smitbromaple@gwi.net

STRAWBERRY HILL FARMS

Skowhegan: 163 Rowe Skowhegan: South of Skowhegan on Back RD 2 miles, then on to Rowe RD about one mile. Check our website for

additional information.

Description of Activities:

Certified organic. Commercial 13,000 tap roadside sugarcamp, packaging facility, and visitor center. Free ice cream, candy, outdoor taffy

demonstration, and treats. Forestry demo. Live entertainment. 169 years of production, 39 years in Skowhegan continuously.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, restrooms available, handicapped accessible, retail sales offered

Hours Open: 10am-4pm

Phone: 207 474 5262 jsteeves@puremaple.com

http://www.puremaple.com

KENNEBEC COUNTY

BACON FARM MAPLE PRODUCTS

Sidney: Corner of Goodhue Road and Rte 23 (Pond Road)

Description of Activities:

Tours of sugarhouse and demonstrations of how maple syrup is produced. Maple Cotton Candy, Maple Whoopie Pies and Maple Syrup for

sale. Free samples of Ice Cream with Maple Syrup. Also check out what is new for 2009.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, restrooms available, handicapped accessible, retail sales offered, wholesale sales offered

Hours Open: Open both Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 4 pm

Phone: 1-207-547-5053 baconfarm@roadrunner.com

http://www.baconfarmmaple.com

HILLTOP FARM

Manchester: Four miles north of 202 on the Prescott Road.

Description of Activities:

Tree tapping and farm animals to pet. Free samples of maple syrup. Syrup for sale on other days but please call first.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, retail sales offered

Hours Open: 12:30 - 4:00 pm

Phone: 207-622-6733

LAWRENCE FARMS

Pittston: 2.5 miles from Troop's Variety Store on RT. 27, on the Wiscasset Road; we are located on the left, blue house, farmstand located in

front, Number 1246 on the farmstand.

Description of Activities:

Tour of sugar shack, ice cream with maple syrup for a fee. Open Saturday, March 21, 9am to 1 pm and Sunday, March 22, 9am to 4 pm. Open

daily during maple syrup season. Call ahead.

Other Information: retail sales offered

Hours Open: 9am to 4pm

Phone: 582-6006 marylou6@prodigy.net

MIKE'S MAPLE SUGAR HOUSE

Winthrop: From Rt. 202 onto Highland Avenue onto Holmes Road about a 1 1/2 mile on left is Gayton Lane. First drive on left.

Description of Activities:

We will open both Saturday and Sunday. Maple syrup, maple cream and maple candy products will be for sale, and we will be serving ice

cream with maple syrup. Free samples. Public is welcome any time sap is boiling.

Other Information: handicapped accessible, retail sales offered, wholesale sales offered

Hours Open: Open Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am to 3:00 am

Phone: 207- 377-2501 mikesmith207@wmconnect.com

OLD FORT WESTERN

Augusta: 16 Cony Street, Augusta. On the riverfront at the east end of the lower Calumet Bridge.

Description of Activities:

See piles whittled, trees tapped, and sap boiled down the 18th-century way. Taste hearth-baked cornbread with Maine maple syrup, too. Sugar

on snow if available. Eighteenth century style demonstrations of maple tapping through processing and cornbread-making.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, handicapped accessible

Hours Open: 1 to 3 p.m.

Phone: 626-2385 oldfort@oldfortwestern.org

http://www.oldfortwestern.org

SUGAR BROOK MAPLE FARM

Mt. Vernon: From West Mt. Vernon Chimney Route 41. Approximately 3 miles from the West Mt Chimney right on Blake Hill Road 3/10 of a

mile on the left

Description of Activities:

Baked beans, ice cream w/maple syrup, and maple flavored hot dogs.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, restrooms available, handicapped accessible, retail sales offered

Hours Open: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Phone: 207-293-2831 ronl1939@aol.com

WILSON FAMILY MAPLE/ECHO VALLEY FARM

Albion: 652 Benton Road. Follow signs to Benton road in Albion. From there follow the signs to the sugar shack.

Description of Activities:

We will have ice cream with maple syrup, gift baskets, maple syrup products and pancake sampling. Wagon rides for donation or minimal fee.

Open Saturday, March 21 and Sunday 22.

Other Information: can accommodate bus tours, restrooms available, handicapped accessible

Hours Open: 10 am - 4 pm

Phone: 207-453-6969 echofarm@roadrunner.com