TESTIMONIAL:
John Holyoke Bangor Daily News August 11,2005:
Over the past several years, some folks around Fort Kent have begun billing the northern Maine college burgh as "The Little Town That Could."
The reason: Despite its location at the northern tip of Maine and its harsh winters, residents have pitched in to stage memorably successful events like the Can-Am Crown sled dog races and the IBU World Cup biathlon competitions. Now Fort Kent is turning its eye toward fishing, and don't for a minute doubt that the friendly little town nestled in the St. John River Valley won't turn its derby into a popular annual happening.
Darlene Kelly Dumond quotes from Bangor Daily News August 15,2005:
“Anglers came from as far away as Missouri, Tennessee, North Dakota, Alaska, California as well as Australia. We offered a prize for the furthest -traveled fisherman and they definitely responded. It’s just amazing, some people carried our posters out of state and people were seeing them in little cabins in the woods. It was like they were all over the place. It seems people really came out of the woodwork for this.”
Lorin and Zachary LeCleire quotes from Bangor Daily News August 16,2005:
“They have talked for months about coming here for the muskie tournament,” the Clifton man said , gesturing at the two young anglers who were busy checking out the assorted merchandise available for sale at “Muskie Central.”
“I want the money,” Zachary LeCleire said, believing that with a good tackle box full of lures and the right attitude, he had as good a shot at the $1,000 youth prize as anyone.
Down East Magazine article August 2005 issue:
Muskie Derby. There’s an adage about lemons and lemonade that folks in Fort Kent must know by heart. They’ve turned their long winters to their advantage with dog-sled races, world-class snowmobile, and international biathlon competitions. Now they’re using the inadvertent and much mourned, introduction of the muskellunge into the St. John River to draw fishermen from all over New England and the Maritimes to the second annual Muskie International Fishing Derby
Email received from Bob Hidell 8/15/2005:
“Well,
My son and I had a great time this past weekend being with you all. Great group of citizens and sports persons (being politically correct). Just wanted to know where Brooke Hidell ended up in the standings after the derby closed last night. We appreciate you all permitting us to leave early. It was a 12 hour drive back for me by the time I got to Hingham, MA. We made good time from Fort Kent to Sebago where Brooke lives.
We will be there next year! I will send up a file photo of my pictures in the next few days. We enjoyed having the videographer on board with us Sunday morning. I am sure he got some great footage on Glazier Lake with everyone trying their best from a variety of boats!
Best regards to you all for a great Derby! How can you not love Fort Kent! The people are terrific!”
Bob Hidell
Henry R. Hidell,III
President
Hidell-Eyster International
“It was a great time and Brooke and I will be there next year. We’ve already booked our “camp” for the weekend! Would you be kind enough to forward to me the “sponsor package” so Hidell-Eyster can take a look at it. We like to support our New England home grown events.”
Thanks,
Bob
Note: Brooke came in 2nd place and received $1,000.00
Dennis Cyr, President Musky Derby quote from Down East Magazine:
“For the people of Fort Kent, They’re considered gold in the river.”
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