Annual Labor Day Exodus to be Greeted by Moose and Friends

--The Maine Turnpike Authority will be handing out Maine Made products --

PORTLAND, Maine – 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 70th 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.

Motorists should plan to leave plenty of time for their travels over the long Holiday weekend.  Year to date through the end of July, 2017 has had 1.18 million more vehicle transactions than the same period of 2016.

More than 1.15 million vehicles are anticipated to travel the Maine Turnpike over the Labor Day weekend.  Friday is expected to be the busiest day with more than 345,000 vehicles and heavier traffic northbound between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and about 272,000 vehicles are expected to travel the turnpike on Saturday.  The busiest hours are likely to be between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.  On Monday between the hours of 12:00 noon and 7:00 PM, approximately 246,000 vehicles are expected to travel on the turnpike, with the heaviest traffic in the southbound lanes.  Initial traffic numbers from the Holiday weekend will be available on Tuesday, September 6, 2017 by 12:00 PM.