Muskie bell found

FORT KENT - Earlier this week there was a crisis.  The iconic bell, which organizers mount at the muskie weigh station near BeeJay's, was missing.

But lucky for the derby, the Musky Planning Committee found the bell.

Darlene Kelly-Dumond said, "I found it."

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Linda Cyr said, "It was right where it was supposed to be."

After the final planning meeting on Monday, organizers pulled together a search which mainly consisted of going carefully though last year's materials.

Kelly-Dumond said, "The committee just had to stop long enough to find it."

MUSKIE, RING MY BELL - Darlene Kelly-Dumond demonstrates the bell the organizers use to announce a new ly arrived muskie. They thought the bell might have been lost, but a search earlier this week uncovered the vital piece of equipment. - Birden photo

She blamed exhaustion from last year's derby.  She said that at the end of the competition, the entire committee is running on fumes, blind with exhaustion, and ready to call it a day.  She said, "It's Sunday night and we're the only ones left."

Still, with searchers finding the bell and the derby launched with over 250 entries, the signs are looking good for a great Derby and Ploye Festival.