Supporters of Maine’s National Monument to Gather at Sold Out 2nd Anniversary Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, August 24th, 2018

Contact:
Andrew Bossie
Executive Director
Cell: (207) 899 – 9983

Molly Ross
Board President
Cell: (703) 819-2643

Supporters of Maine’s National Monument to Gather at Sold Out 2nd Anniversary Celebration
This year’s festivities take place as the monument makes progress on several fronts.

Patten, ME — Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters (Friends) will kick off the 2nd Anniversary Celebration of the establishment of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument this weekend. The events taking place Friday and Saturday evening are sold out, but organizers are encouraging the public to enjoy the beautiful late-summer weather forecast in and around the monument through suggested outdoor and community trips and experiences.

“We’re pleased with the progress our monument has made in just two years,” says Friends’ Executive Director, Andrew Bossie. “Signs are going up, visitation is strong, planning is underway, and the local economy is benefiting; we’re excited about the future of the park and for the gateway communities of the Katahdin Region. This weekend we celebrate the community of our public lands while also supporting it.”

The evening, presented with Maine Beer Company (MBC), will include dinner from Patten-based Casual Elegance Caterers, Woods & Waters beer and other selections from MBC, a silent auction of outdoor gear, experiences, and memorabilia, as well as live performances by the Magic 8 Ball Quartet, sponsored by The Wilderness Society. Following a speaking program and awards ceremony, guests will get the chance to experience the night skies of the area by walking a short distance from the event to telescopes and an interpretive presentation.

Friends partnered with L.L. Bean to encourage attendees to “Be an Outsider” and explore Maine and the nation’s newest public lands before and after the event. Organizers have posted suggested trips including hikes, paddles, bike rides, and drives throughout the monument.

Friends staff and board members, National Park Service staff, as well as local business owners and community members will be sharing remarks in a short speaking program on Saturday evening. In the midst of the speaking program, Friends will also be presenting three awards. Receiving awards for Excellence in Volunteerism will be Candace McKellar of Sherman and MaryAlice Mowry of Millinocket. The award for Outstanding Public Service will go to Julie Isbill, Rivers & Trails Project Manager at National Park Service and a former detailee at the monument. And the Conservation Colleague award will go to the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event is being supported by an impressive group of sponsors and individuals from around Maine and the Katahdin Region. The Bangor Daily News has published promotions in its print and online publications to help drive visitation to the event, the monument, and the surrounding communities. Graphic design for the event was done by a local sponsor, Millinocket-based designlab. Natural Resources Council of Maine, integral to the effort to designate the national monument, has continued their support as a sponsor at the event. Local sponsors, including New England Outdoor Center, Katahdin Trust, and others businesses are supporting the weekend’s festivities with proceeds benefiting various programming of the friends to attract and support park visitors, improve park infrastructure, and encourage revitalization efforts of the region.

Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters is a non-profit 501(c)(3) membership organization made up of individuals and businesses who are committed to the mission to preserve and protect the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality and distinctive cultural resources of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of all generations. To become a member or to learn more, go to www.friendsofkww.org.

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