Here’s What Tourists Are Getting for Gifts When They Leave Maine

Well, this is pretty cool Tourists leaving Maine on Labor Day are getting good-bye gifts!

According to the Maine Turnpike Authority:

"Since Labor Day of 2002, Miles the Moose has thanked visitors for coming to Maine with a wave and something to take home with them. This Labor Day at the York Toll Plaza, motorists leaving Maine will be thanked for visiting with two Maine gifts, Poland Spring® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water and Coastal Maine Popcorn.
 
Miles the Moose and his friend, Clawdette the Lobster will be joined by Eco, Poland Spring’s recycling mascot to thank folks as they head home. Erin Courtney, spokeswoman for the Turnpike said “The turnpike wanted to highlight Maine businesses with our thank you gifts this year and what could be better than artisan popcorn and spring water for the ride home?” The bags of Coastal Maine Popcorn include a custom label celebrating the Maine Turnpike’s 70^th anniversary and invites travelers to share photos with the hashtag MaineTurnpike for the chance to win lobster dinner shipped to their home. “Visitor’s love taking pictures of Miles and Clawdette and with the hashtag we can see them shared as well.  And who wouldn’t want to win a lobster dinner?” Courtney said."

We don't have the official numbers yet but from what we can tell it's been a banner season for tourism in Maine. The MTA tells us that year to date through the end of July, 2017 , the Turnpike has had 1.18 million more vehicle transactions than the same period of 2016. Awesome!