For those of us living in Downeast Maine, we know that it's been a very, very busy tourist season. Last year was a record year for visits to Acadia National Park, and early reports indicate that 2017 attendance if it continues at the current pace, will be stronger than 2016. You can see all the tourists leaving the State thanks to the  live webcam from the Maine Turnpike Authority.

The picture taken above, was at 11:53 on Labor Day, September 4th from the Mile 7.3 York Toll Plaza camera, which already showed traffic backing up leaving Maine.

Miles the Moose, Clawdette the Lobster and Eco, Poland Spring's recycling mascot are at the York Toll Plaza thanking visitors. According to Erin Courtney, spokeswoman for the Maine 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.

According to the Maine Turnpike Authority's website, more than 1.15 million vehicles are anticipated to travel the Maine Turnpike over the Labor Day weekend. Today,  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.

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