An incredible turnout of over 300 people celebrated the Grand Opening of The Green Hand Bookshop and the International Cryptozoology Museum, two new businesses at 661 Congress Street, on Friday, November 6, 2009. Festivities included a ribbon cutting hosted by State of Maine Representative Herb Adams, donated refreshments from Jeff Meuse of Ricetta’s, Caleb’s shortbreads, speeches, appreciation awards, and State of Maine legislative proclamations congratulating the new proprietors. Free admission and tours of the museum were conducted, as is tradition during the first Friday of every month in Portland, Maine’s Arts District.

The famous Crookston (Minnesota) Bigfoot then posed patiently for photographs with the First Friday Artwalk patrons all evening. Special guest, retired California Bigfoot investigator Jim McClarin answered questions from visitors.

Above, cryptozoologist/author Loren Coleman and The Green Hand Bookshop owner Michelle Souliere prepare to cut the Grand Opening ribbon, while Master of Ceremonies State Rep. Herb Adams counts down the moment. Photo by Jessica Meuse.

The ribbon cutting was captured also by photographer Rob Carignan.

Below, Bigfoot graces the area near the front window at 661 Congress Street, during the Grand Opening. And crowds trek through the bookshop and museum non-stop from 5 pm to 9 pm. Photos by Jessica Meuse.

Guests of Honor Jim McClarin and Rep. Herb Adams discuss the finer points of the State of Maine Proclamation for the museum, which is seen below. Michelle Souliere of The Green Hand Bookshop also received one (not pictured). Photos by Jessica Meuse.

Rep. Herb Adams, soon after receiving his ICM Lifetime Membership and Appreciation Award (partially donated by Ray Messier of Creative Awards), began joking that he and other honorees were already working on secret handshakes and passwords.

Some of the Grand Opening signage, posters, supplies, brochures, rugs, and more were donated by Tom Burke, X-Press Copy, Staples, Libbet Cone, Missi Labbe, Sarah McCann and the Meuses.