In one of our area’s rites of (almost) spring, crowds of outdoor enthusiasts mingled with exhibitors over the weekend at the Cabin Fever Reliever, an outdoor show organized by the Penobscot Fly Fishers.
Olivia Argleben, 6 1/2, of Eddington, ties a maple syrup fly at the Penobscot Fly Fishers’ Cabin Fever Reliever outdoor show at the Brewer Auditorium on Saturday, March 3. (BDN photo by John Holyoke)
As has become the club’s custom, the event was held at the Brewer Auditorium, and by the time doors opened at 10 a.m. on Saturday, a line of excited attendees stretched out the door. A variety of exhibits included some that were set up especially for the younger visitors. Included in that list: Air rifle shooting, and archery instruction.
And let’s not forget the fly tying lessons, during which dozens of kids got the chance to tie their first flies under the guidance of some expert mentors. I stopped by during one lesson and watched as Olivia Argleben of Eddington, 6 1/2 (don’t forget the half!), completed a fly called a maple syrup. I told her that the fly was invented by a Maine man — Alvin Theriault — so that his daughter, who was about Olivia’s age at the time, would have a fly that she could perfect and sell to make some money.
Olivia feigned interest in the history lesson, but at the mention of making money, she perked up a bit.
Aislinn Sarnacki of the Bangor Daily News signs a copy of her book, “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine,” for a visitor to the Cabin Fever Reliever outdoor show in Brewer on Saturday, March 3, 2018. (BDN photo by John Holyoke )
The Bangor Daily News staffed a booth again this year, and we had a wonderful time greeting visitors and talking to them about our outdoor offerings. Our Aislinn Sarnacki was on hand for a few hours on Saturday, signing copies of her first book, “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine,” and chatting with other avid hikers. Many told her they were glad to hear that her “1-Minute” adventures offerings will be back in the BDN in the near future.
And I had a great time talking with old friends and new acquaintances alike, and sharing tales about fish that got away, moose that didn’t, and other outdoor matters.
Alas, spring often seems a mere illusion here in Maine, and later this week we’re scheduled to be socked in by another snowstorm. Somewhere, a groundhog is laughing.
But eventually, warm weather will come. I promise.
Come visit us at the next outdoor show — The Eastern Maine Sportsmen’s Show in Orono — in two weeks, and we’ll renew our longing for the true arrival of the season.
