Folks Prepare for Hurricane Earl

Blue Hill - Folks in Blue Hill are preparing for Hurricane Earl, should it hit them.

Organizers of the Blue Hill fair say they're ready.

Meghan Hayward reports.

Folks at the Tradewinds Marketplace in Blue Hill say people have been stocking up this week, preparing for Hurricane Earl.

" Water, batteries, flashlights, lamps and lamp oil. In case people lose power. That's what they're focusing on so they have the necessities."

The storm has forced the store to put in some extra orders.

" Yesterday, we brought in an extra 500 gallons of water and today we brought in an extra 500 gallons of water."

Store Owner, Chuck Lawrence, says that's about three times what they normally stock.

Lawrence says he's a little worried about the impact Hurricane Earl will have on the area.

" I think the wind and rain. We're closing down our ice cream shack a day early because we think we may take a beating if the winds are strong."

The Blue Hill Fair is taking place this weekend and organizers are keeping their eyes on the forecast.

"Of course safety is our primary concern of all the participants here at the fair."

Fair President, Rob Eaton, says they may reschedule events depending on the weather.

Eaton says he doesn't expect any problems with the rides.

" The rides are all rated for high winds. So basically, they let them free wheel on the higher rides, so they'll just spin in the wind. It's actually safer to do that then to try and take them down."

Blue Hill Fire Chief and Harbor Master, Denny Robertson, says he's happy to see people are prepared, but expects minimal problems.

" Well I just think we're going to have trees down possibly if we get the wind they predict. And here at the fair, we could have some high water in places that would make it difficult for awhile, but I think it should soak right in."