Updated Fall Meet 2021 Information – September 3-6, 2021
Bangor, ME
Like the rest of the members, I’m sad about the spring meet getting postponed yet again, but I agree that it’s the best thing to do considering the ongoing Covid uncertainty.
We have had a major Covid related problem with the fall meet as well, but it look like we have it solved. In January I asked the contact person at the Ramada for an updated contract for 2021. She agreed to send it, but I never received it. In early February, I emailed her again, but I got no response. My subsequent voicemails also went unanswered. Despite calling the motel repeatedly, I was unable to reach a live person. Finally, earlier this month, I called Ramada corporate. They informed me that the location was closed, but they couldn’t provide any further information.
I did some investigating and learned that due to Covid, the homeless shelters in Bangor (and elsewhere in the state) have to practice social distancing. Consequently, their capacity is greatly diminished. Since late last fall, the state of Maine has been leasing the Ramada in Bangor on a month to month basis to house the overflow homeless people! This arrangement is set to go on indefinitely. Unfortunately, their website and outgoing phone message give no indication of this.
Long story short, I drove up to Bangor last Thursday night/Friday morning and met with the sales rep at the Hilton Garden Inn, which is just off I-95 on the north end of town. The parking lot has an area that can be reserved for our club, we have a block of 40 rooms, and we can hold the banquet there. Like the Ramada, they don’t have room for trucks and trailers, but the Dysart truck stop is still an option (l met with Tim Dysart again last fall). Also, there is another proper about a mile from the motel that might be available to park trucks and trailers. l’ll know more about this as the time gets closer.
Currently, Maine has Covid reciprocity with just a few neighboring states. Others must either quarantine 0R have a negative Covid test where the sample was taken within three days of arriving in Maine. That’s what I have been doing, and it has work dwell. If the banquet were to happen today, social distancing would limit the capacity to 86 people. The governor is expected to relax the restrictions somewhat in the coming days, and probably again as we head into summer. I am optimistic that we will be in even better shape by Labor Day.
I won’t be able to do much with the attractions that we plan to visit until things start opening up in late April or May, but at least we have the motel and banquet nailed down. The Katahdin boat tour people know that we are shooting for Labor Day weekend 2021, so I just need to check in with them once they open up.
I wanted to bring you up to date and let you know where things stand. Please let me know your thoughts.
We hope to see you there!
Frank
