By Kate Williams
On Wednesday, May 13 at 11:30 am, NFCT and partners dedicated a beautiful new sign at the Maine Visitor Information Center in Fryeburg, ME. This isn’t just any sign. As the Sun Journal put it, “it doesn’t have any paddles, but a recreational organization [that’s us] is hoping a canoe unveiled on Wednesday can still get people to go places.” That’s right, the sign is a mounted 16-foot canoe with an embedded and colorful informational panel, conveying both the facts and the spirit of our Trail in Maine, where the canoe has a storied history. The sign also embodies the partnerships that breathed life into this project, and our Trail as a whole. LL Bean, Maine Lakes and Mountains Tourism Council, Hancock Lumber, Maine Wilderness Guides Organization, and Maine Tourism Association all joined forces to fund, create, and promote a truly unique sign that is well worth the stop on your journey.
Our thanks to Maine State Director of Tourism for attending and recognizing the significance of this sign as part of National Tourism Week. And while they weren’t able to join us, Governor John Baldacci and US Rep Michael Michaud sent eloquent letters of support. As Rep Michaud put it, “the Trail is such a great project because it integrates economic, health, and environmental benefits.” Thanks, everyone. We hope this sign inspires many great adventures.
The great unveiling, Fryeburg, Maine Visitor Information Center
(photo by Dirk Langeveld, Sun Journal)
