Protests Could Tie Up Traffic in Several Communities on Friday

Mainers will see protests in many communities today that could tie up traffic, Air Force One in Bangor, and military helicopters over Guilford.

President Donald Trump is due to arrive at Bangor International Airport just after noon today, and his visit is sparking protests around the area. Demonstrators are expected to be set up in the Wayfair parking lot in Bangor at around 11 a.m, according to WVII-TV. Another group has also indicated that they may hold a demonstration near the airport, although it's not clear exactly where they will be located.

Dover-Foxcroft Police are expecting that some demonstrators will end up there, if they can't get into Guilford, where the President will be touring the Puritan Medical Products facility. Police Chief Reardon is asking that everyone be respectful of the town and its occupants during their visit. An increased police presence will be visible, in preparation for a busy day.

In Ellsworth, a demonstration will start at 3 p.m. and will be held in the downtown area. Drivers are advised to avoid downtown, if at all possible. Ellsworth Police will be setting up roadblocks and working to keep traffic flowing, but anyone who must travel through the area is advised to give themselves some extra time to reach their destination.

Guilford's traffic and parking patterns will be disrupted by the visit.

According to the BDN, President Trump's plane will arrive at Bangor International Airport at around 1:50 p.m. He will go directly into a roundtable discussion at the airport about commercial fisheries. That meeting is expected to last about a half hour. President Trump will then travel to Guilford by helicopter. which will land at the Piscataquis Community High school just after 3. Government helicopters have been practicing takeoffs and landings in Guilford all week. Brody Gourley caught them on video.

After touring the Puritan Medical Products facility from approximately 3:30 to 4:40, President Trump is expected to travel back to the helicopter by motorcade and is scheduled to fly out of Bangor at 5:30 p.m.