ACT MTMPP Grant Report | Final | July 1 , 2023 through June 30 , 2024
Report Notes : It is important to note this report only includes tourism work and advertising buys paid for in part by the Maine Tourism Marketing Partnership Program . This report is not a complete narrative of all the work being done to promote tourism and economic growth in the region . The data and numbers referenced in this report have been added as supplemental attachments to this document and additional information is available upon request . The narrative of this report is intended to be a high-level reflection of the advertising buys and content created to promote the very best of Maine ’ s Aroostook County .
In The Region : Wolastoq Inn And Suites - The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians opens the newly renovated Inn formerly known as the ‘ Star Dust Motel ’.
JetBlue - Will take over essential air service at PQI and fly once daily into Boston , Massachusetts rather than the twice-daily service United Airlines provided to Newark , New Jersey for the last six years .
The New 3D Sun Model in Aroostook ' s Solar System - The new 3D sculpture of the sun sits on the front lawn of UMPI and the official ribbon cutting was on April 8 th in time for the Great North American Eclipse – however construction continues and the new installation is not yet complete at this time .
Quality Inn & Suites - The former Park Inn was sold by Dana Cassidy in 2023 and renovated to reopen in time for the 2024 snowmobile season as a Quality Inn and Suites branded franchise property .
New owners want to breathe life into the Caribou Inn - Caribou Inn & Conference Center has completed 90 % of its renovation and soon in October of 2024 will reopen as a Best Western Property .
FMSC Chimney Go Fund Me Donations – The Francis Malcolm Science Center has an unforeseen expense to replace a chimney at the center and is rushing to complete the work by winter .
Walker Settlement Concerts - A new outdoor concert venue has taken shape in Island Falls , Maine as the Walker family brought five concerts to the region in the summer of 2024 .
BigRock Mountain , Maine - The biggest vertical drop in Northern Maine and the Canadian Maritimes is on track to open the 2024 / 25 season with a new quad lift and powerful snowmaking equipment .
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge – For the first time since 2017 a full-time staff person was hired for the refuge in May of 2024 , now the National Wildlife Refuge System is pulling the position again .
Professional-level motocross track opens in Oakfield - A high-level motocross track for competitive motocross training and racing has opened in Oakfield , the town is enthusiastic about this investment .
Revitalized Spud Speedway ramps up schedule for 2024 – High-impact events have returned to Spud Speedway as a new owner brought fresh ideas and renovations to the grounds , this has greatly increased the venue capacity and revenue generation possibilities .
The Sawdust Pit MX Track , Ashland – North Star Motorsports is a nonprofit organization that has completed a professional level motocross track in Ashland , Maine . This group also hosts the Big Woods Grass Drags , Portage Lake Loon 100 , and is working with the town for a new vision of the Ashland Trotting Park .