What a VIP ticket for Maine’s Whoopie Pie Pageant will get you
Maine’s beloved Whoopie Pie Pageant, which attracts hundreds to Dover-Foxcroft every summer season, will return June 24 — this 12 months with VIP entrance and parking passes to get attendees to the candy treats quicker.
Greater than 7,000 individuals attended final 12 months’s pageant, and 2019 was one of the best attended with practically 8,000 individuals, mentioned Patrick Myers, government director of the Middle Theatre, which organizes the occasion with the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce. He expects the same turnout this 12 months.
“The pageant is three weeks from Saturday, so we’re in full whoopie pie mode,” he mentioned. “We’ve obtained about 22 bakers signed up, which is a splendidly massive quantity to have.”
The Whoopie Pie Pageant will return for its 14th 12 months with new options meant to make it run extra effectively, together with VIP passes to get attendees nearer entry to the pageant and previous lengthy strains, in addition to a cooling tent after final 12 months’s sweltering temperatures. It’s the most important annual occasion in Piscataquis County and advantages the Middle Theatre and Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce.
The pageant is about for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24. Admission charges have elevated a greenback, now costing $6 per particular person, although children 12 years and below are nonetheless free.
“In the course of the busy occasions, these entrance strains are 50, 60, 70 individuals deep,” Myers mentioned. “We attempt to transfer them by as quick as we will, however it’s lots of people. We have been searching for a means to assist individuals keep away from strains and make the whole lot transfer somewhat smoother.”
VIP parking passes, that are restricted to about 40 spots in downtown Dover-Foxcroft with round half already bought, are $25 and accessible on-line or by calling the theater. That’s additionally the place individuals should purchase VIP entrance passes, that are $10, and tokens to pattern whoopie pies.
Parking can also be accessible on the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds. Two shuttles will journey forwards and backwards from there to the pageant to drop off attendees.
Dave’s World is offering the cooling tent, which can be arrange close to the meals court docket space on East Most important Road. Pageant-goers will obtain a map to navigate the choices.
Though not a brand new characteristic, the whoopie pie consuming contests are a crowd favourite. This 12 months they’ll happen outdoors True Worth {Hardware}, as will actions together with stay music performances from musician Brian Smith and native band Thief of Pleasure. Augusta-based Burns Bears can be doing chainsaw carving.
The youth whoopie pie consuming contest, for kids 12 years outdated and below, is at midday. Teenagers compete at 12:30 p.m., and adults 20 years outdated and up are set to stuff their faces at 1 p.m.
Apart from whoopie pies from bakers round Maine, attendees may have an opportunity to chow down on burgers, sizzling canine and different common pageant meals. There can be greater than 100 distributors, together with artists and crafters, promoting their creations. A delegated space will characteristic video games and rides for kids.
“The pageant is a beloved occasion within the space and for the entire state,” Myers mentioned. “We’re excited to be again.”
To buy VIP passes, tokens and entry different data, go to the occasion’s web site. Folks may name the theater at 207-564-8943.
