Many people spend the better part of their lives waiting for their 15 minutes of fame. Ian Dyer of Vinalhaven, age 6, appears to be enjoying his 15 minutes right now. Earlier this year Ian was identified by the Maine Lobster Promotion Council as the youngest licensed lobsterman in the state. As a result, Ian has been thrust into a whirlwind of publicity and opportunities.
It started when he and Webster van Winkle, 92, of Chamberlain, the oldest licensed lobsterman in the state, were the subjects of a story in the Bangor Daily News. Ian was asked to appear in the Rockland Lobster Festival Parade, as well as crown the Parade’s Sea Goddess (he declined both invitations). Rockland’s Al Gardner, host of the local cable access show, “Out and About with Al Gardner” was scheduled to shoot Ian hauling his traps the week of July 19, and WMTW’s Kevin Kelly visited Vinalhaven to shoot a segment on Ian, which was scheduled to air on the evening news the week of July 19. In addition, Ian has been invited to appear on “David Letterman” and “CBS This Morning.”
“Good Morning America” and the “Today Show” have also expressed interest in either taping Ian or having him as a guest.
Ian’s parents are letting him make the decisions regarding which publicity he will do. “We’re not pushing him,” said his mother, Dawne Dyer. “We don’t want to overwhelm him; we’re letting him decide what he wants to do.”
As for Ian, he is enjoying his sudden popularity. “I think it’s good because I like lobstering,” he said.
– Kris Osgood