a sponsor , setting up a booth or simply attending with family and friends , business owners see this as a positive thing for all of Aroostook County ”.
The same goes for the Caribou Marathon , the most recently hosted event in Caribou . “ 450 athletes from all over The County and Canada signed up to run the tough course , and we ’ ve heard nothing but positive feedback ,” said Till . “ The runners are raving about the community involvement , the number of spectators along the course ; the businesses , especially hotels and restaurants , saw a boost in business over the race weekend , and everyone is talking about what a positive thing it is for Aroostook County .”
Photos By Dave Allen , Dave Allen Graphics
That ’ s right , 450 athletes attended one event in Caribou , Maine , whose own population is about 8500 . There were runners from 16 different states and 3 Canadian Provinces including runners from California , New Mexico , British Columbia , Tennessee , etc . The runners had the choice to run the full marathon , a half marathon , relay races of each distance or a kids ’ race .
Aside from the runners , the City also hosted a street festival during the races . This attracted locals who would not otherwise have come out to the running events . The street festival had two live bands that played throughout the day , and there were over 60 food and craft vendors .
It ’ s safe to say , the City of Caribou is putting a lot of effort into developing past events and creating new ones . The City of Caribou ’ s Marketing & Event Coordinator , Lydia Kieffer-Till , says it ’ s a group effort to put on such events . “ The City has many departments and each and every one of them play a role in deciding what goes on at the street festival from year to year . They were also a vital part in planning , organizing and going forward with the marathon , as they will be again in future years .”
With all that is going on in Caribou , and the rest of Aroostook County , it ’ s easy to see the folks in Northern Maine are shaking things up !
WINTER 2017 19