There’s still snow on the ground and ice fishermen are still out there on frozen lakes and ponds, but this morning, I’ve got some good news.
First, the sun is shining … at least, for now.
Second, Old Town Canoe is revving up for their annual factory “blem” sale.
And if you’ve lived through a few mud seasons in these parts, you’ll realize that when folks start lining up for the chance to buy themselves a factory second or overstock Old Town canoe or kayak, it means that real spring weather must be around the corner.
Over the weekend I received an email from Scott Phillips, who is a sales representative for Old Town Canoe and Johnson Outdoors. Phillips told me that this year’s sale will follow a successful model that has been utilized the past two years, in that the event won’t be held in Old Town at all.
Instead, it will be hosted by seven retailers who sell Old Town products. That format will make it easier for most to get to a sale near them, and alleviates a problem that had existed for years: Loyal retailers often found that they lost out on tons of potential sales because customers would simply wait until the factory sale, then converge on Old Town to scoop up boats that they might otherwise buy from a local vendor.
This year’s sale will be held April 5-7 at the following dealers:
- Skl Rack Sports in Bangor
- Belgrade Canoe & Kayak in Belgrade
- Johnson True Value in Calais
- Kayak Country in Fort Fairfield
- Indian Hill Trading Post in Greenville
- Al’s Sports in Lewiston
- Maine Sport Outfitters in Rockport
“As always, this is the best time to purchase a blemished canoe or kayak from Old Town, Necky Kayak and Ocean Kayak,” Phillips wrote in his email. “There will also be lots of accessories from Carlisle Paddle, Extrasport and Malone Auto Racks. Many dealers also have added Eureka Tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and other Johnson Outdoors camping equipment.”
So there you have it. The sale is nearly here.
And that means that true spring weather can’t be more than six or eight weeks away.