Paris proclaims 'Gems of Route 26 Day'

PARIS — The Paris Board of Selectmen officially declared May 28 "Gems of Route 26 Day" after receiving a request from Poland Town Manager Dana Lee.

The grouping of local attractions has been gaining momentum in recent years, and gained significant publicity in August when it announced free vacations for Maine military personnel and veterans.

The Gems of 26 include several attractions in the area, including the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Harvest Hill Farms in Mechanic Falls, McLaughlin Garden of Paris, the Poland Historical School House, the Poland Spring Resort, Poland Spring Preservation Park, and Poland Spring Preservation Society.

The eight "gems" have identified themselves as unique, family-friendly attractions in the region that have the power to help the local economy.

"We believe that by publicizing the Route 26 corridor, the Gems of 26 draws positive attention to all of our communities," wrote Lee in his request, "and that we bring additional visitors to the area that may also frequent the variety of other stores, services, and businesses in the region."

The day coincides with an annual Heritage Day celebration at the Poland Spring Resort, which last year drew more than 2,000 people. All of the participating organizations display offerings at Poland Spring Resort on that day.

Ted Kurtz made a motion to approve the proclamation, which passed unanimously.

Members of the board questioned why the request was being made this year for the first time.

"I think this is the first year they've had the brass to request proclamations," joked Kurtz.

The gems also offer a package of free offerings for qualifying military personnel, veterans and their families. Families that qualify get to stay at the Poland Spring Resort for free, during which time they have free meals, boat rentals, and golf course access. They also receive free admission to all of the other Gems, and a $25 lunch voucher at Harvest Hill Farms.

"More than 2,300 Mainers have deployed to the Middle East since September 11, 2001 and they face financial, familial and emotional burdens that most cannot imagine," said Lee in a public statement. "The owners and operators of the Gems of 26 care deeply about our men and women in uniform, and want to be able to offer them some high-quality, family downtime."