New Gloucester--When Glen Gisel was contemplating
a career change, his 13 years as a welder sure came
in handy. He so enjoyed being at events where people
were having fun, that he decided to mull over an
idea to combine the two. Glen was trying to figure
out how to take food on the road in a compact, shipshape
vessel that he could trailer behind his truck. Once
the idea caught in his mind, he thought about it
for the next 5 or 6 years.
"After I thought of it, I didn't get another
good night's sleep," said Glen. Finally, he
decided to do something about his idea and he created
PartyTime USA.
"This is the only one like it in the world,
there's nothing else like it," Glen said proudly.
Glen custom designed and created his "PartyTime
USA" wagon at his welding business in New Gloucester.
The trailer weighs 10,000 lbs, is 13 ft. tall with
the stage up and 8'.6"wide. He pulls it behind
his new Freightliner 275 hp. cat, to events where
he serves food at small get-togethers to fairs and
large festivals. The wagon comes complete with its
own power, water, stereo/PA system, barbecue grill,
steamer - even a kitchen sink, greatly enlarging
his food preparation capabilities.
Above, Tammy and Glen Gisel in front with son
Austin last Saturday at the Windham DerbyFest. Speeches
were made from the stage on top and bands played
over the 1200 watt PA system. On stage is Tom Noonan,
Derbyfest organizer, being interviewed by a local
TV reporter and cameraman and at far right is New
Gloucester's Scott Doyle. Jeanne Adams photo
Glen's clever design makes it trailerable to anywhere
people need to eat, including corporate, community
and school events, fundraisers, graduations, family
reunions, campgrounds, company parties, and weddings.
A unique feature is the 10 foot stage on top that
can be used for speeches, taking pictures, even
for getting married. His rig was recently seen at
the Windham Rotary Fishing Derby, with the stage
top being used as a stump podium by US Representative
Tom Allen and Maine Representative Mark Bryant (D-Windham).
He just installed a new sound system, too. "We
went from a 200 watt home stereo system to a 1200
watt PA system." Gisel installed the PA so
that the platform could be used for speeches and
announcements at events, and so that he could provide
music at events. At the New Gloucester Skating Party
fundraiser he played kids' music. "The kids,
and parents too, had a ball on the ice doing the
"Hokey Pokey," said Glen.
Glen made the trailer to take little set up to get
going, "We can be serving food within about
an hour of arriving-- making it easy." And
they can make a lot of food in a short amount of
time, "We served hamburger, hotdogs and barbecued
chicken to about 330 people in about an hour and
half on our first time out." In addition to
the usual fare they can do a complete lobster bake
for a crowd.
Glen and his wife Tammy have actually been dishing
up food at family events, church events and fundraisers
for quite a while. In fact, Glen first got the idea
for PartyTime USA at a family pig roast 15 years
ago.
Glen's wife Tammy is President and Chief Cook. Glenn
claims he is the "fun guy." The Gisels
have 3 children: Libby 8, Allie 6, and Austin 4.
"I can only say good things about my wife.
Tammy has supported me 100%. She said 'do it the
way you want to do it and I'll support you.'"
You may have seen the Gisels recently serving food
at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds at the New Gloucester
Community Day where they donated their services
to benefit the New Gloucester Fire Department, and
at the Skate Night for "New Lungs for George"
at the Fairgrounds two weeks ago. Glen enjoys being
involved with his community at fundraising events.
"Love 'em," he said. "That's our
way of giving back to the community."
Has anybody gotten married on the trailer yet? Not
yet, although they have had inquiries for this summer.
The Gisels plans for PartyTime USA are far reaching:
"We are hoping to go to the Southern United
States, taking Lobster Bakes on the road! The trailer
is brightly painted red, white and blue with big
letters that say "CELEBRATE FREEDOM."
Why? "I just think people are kind of getting
away from patriotism and freedom and they take it
for granted and they shouldn't take it for granted.
It makes a bold statement, that if you want to do
something, do it. We're part of a free country,
you can do what you want to do."
