11 Uniquely Maine Uses for $10,000

If you are a regular listener of B98.5 you probably already know that in just a few days we will be kicking off the fall edition of our Cash Cow contest.

This time around, we are giving listeners a chance to win anywhere from $1,000 all the way up to $10,000.

In order to enter, all you need to do is listen to B98.5 between 8:20 AM and 5:20 PM weekdays.  We’ll give out a code at :20 past the hour each hour.  Enter those codes into our free B98.5 app for your chance at the cash.  The more codes you put in the better your chance of winning cash.  Basically, we are giving you a chance at an at-work bonus just for doing something you were already doing.

If you won the $10,000 what would you spend it on?

With the help of our favorite AI, and suggestions from listeners, we’ve come up with a list of 12 things you could spend the money on.  They are a mixture of unique purchases, fun Maine adventures, and Maine charities you could make a donation to.

Casco Bay Island Hopping - Spend a day exploring Portland’s islands.  Take the Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island or Chebeague Island.  An adult roundtrip ticket is only $14 and kids/senior tickets are only $7.  Once there, you can rent bikes or E-scooters ($20), pack a picnic, and enjoy the coastal views.  A group outing (2 adults, 2 kids) costs ≈$50 for ferry and rentals, plus meals, in this quintessential Maine seaside setting.  Learn more at the Casco Bay Lines website.

Go On A Guided Snowmobile Adventure - In winter, hire a guided snowmobile tour. Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville offers half-day or full-day snowmobile tours around Moosehead Lake.  Depending on where you go, it will cost about $250 per person per day for the rental and a guide.  Get more details HERE

Buy Several Pieces of Maine Made Craft Furniture - Shop for classic Maine handcrafted furniture from the state’s Maine Made program.  The program highlights artisans who use local wood, wool, and. Learn more from the mainemade.com website

Donate to the Maine Farmland Trust - Donate to Maine Farmland Trust to keep farms working. MFT “protects farmland, supports farmers” to sustain Maine agriculturemainefarmlandtrust.org. This donation will connect you to Maine’s farming history.

Above Ground Pool - You could get a sweet above ground pool from our friends at Pool Tech in Winslow.  Or, you could put a good dent in the cost of an in-ground pool.

Gear Up At LL Bean - Splurge on top-tier outdoor gear at L.L.Bean’s flagship store.  A family could spend  about $500 to 1,000 on boots, jackets, and backpacks.  Additionally, you can spend more to get a top-notch e-bike, kayak, or camping gear.

The Jordan’s Furniture Ropes Course – You and a friend could spend 250 hours playing on the ropes course at Jordan’s Furniture in the Maine Mall.  Get more details from the Jordan's Furniture website.

A Year's Supply of Energy Teas - Feel like you need a pick-me-up?  You could buy a ton of those energy teas from Northwoods Nutrition!

Funtown/Splashtown Season Passes - You could enjoy the rides, waterslides, and more all summer long by getting combo season passes.  A Friends & Family 4-pack of combo passes cost just under $800.  That way, you can enjoy the park whenever you want.  Purchase your season passes HERE

Donate to the Friends of Baxter State Park - Donate to preserve Baxter State Park’s wilderness.  The Friends of Baxter website explains that gifts “help us preserve the wilderness character of Baxter State Park".

Buy a Side-By-Side - You could take on the Maine trails in a new side-by-side.  While $10,000 won't completely pay off an ATV, it will definitely make for a big down payment..  Check out the selection of new and pre-owned side-by-sides and 4-wheelers at Central Maine Powersports.