Preparations Underway for 2nd Anniversary Celebration of Maine’s National Monument 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Contact:
Andrew Bossie
Executive Director
Office: (207) 808 – 0020

Preparations Underway for 2nd Anniversary Celebration of Maine’s National Monument
This year’s festivities include new and returning sponsors as well as activities in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument and the surrounding communities. 

Patten, ME — Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters released details of the 2ndAnniversary Celebration of the establishment of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument today. The celebration, presented by Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters and Maine Beer Company, will be held on August 25that Shin Pond Village in Mt. Chase, Maine.

The evening will include beer from Maine Beer Company, dinner from Patten-based Casual Elegance Caterers, and a silent auction of outdoor gear, experiences, and memorabilia. The special evening will feature a performance from the Magic Eight Ball Quartet, sponsored by The Wilderness Society. Weather permitting, guests will get the chance to experience the exceptional night skies of the area by walking a short distance from the event to telescopes and an interpretive presentation.  Tickets for the Saturday night celebration are available for $25 at www.friendsofkww.org/anniversary.

“Interest in our national monument continues to grow and we’re eager to share the unique natural, recreational, and cultural aspects of our new public lands with more people,” said Andrew Bossie, Executive Director of Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters. “As we celebrate two years since the designation of the monument, we’re growing the number of partnerships and offering more activities that lift up the monument and the communities of the Katahdin Region.”

Maine-based outdoor retailer, L.L. Bean, is sponsoring activities that 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. Visitors are also urged to support the surrounding communities by booking local accommodations and shopping at area businesses. During the weekend, attendees of the anniversary can visit the Patten Lumberman’s museum to learn about the rich logging history of the region. Attendees can also visit North Light Gallery in Millinocket to meet local painters who will be displaying recently produced Plein Air works showcasing the natural beauty of Katahdin Woods and Waters.

Host and sponsorship benefits are available to interested individuals and businesses. Patagonia is hosting a private reception for hosts and sponsors Friday evening at Mt Chase Lodge. Proceeds from the anniversary celebration will benefit the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters in their efforts to protect, preserve, and promote the monument and the communities of the Katahdin Region.

The Bangor Daily News has agreed to sponsor the event through promotions in its print and online publications to help drive visitation to the event, the monument, and the surrounding communities.

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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