SAM banquet draws big turnout of sportsmen

PISCATAQUIS OBSERVER • September 15, 2026

The Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine held its 51st annual banquet on Sept 5 at the Elk’s Lodge in Waterville. More than 300 sportsmen and women turned out for the festive fund-raising event, which was attended by sportsmen and women, guides, outfitters and a number of political luminaries including U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine and a host of candidates for political office. During the evening, which was emceed by Northwoods Sporting Journal Editor V. Paul Reynolds and hosted by David Trahan, executive director of SAM, and Mike Parker, SAM president, a number of awards were presented to individuals for their various contributions toward supporting SAM’s mission, outdoor conservation and the furthering of Maine’s outdoor heritage.