Communities salute Independence Day

Parades, contests, food, sailors, sports and concerts were among the festivities that made up this year's Fourth of July and Old Home Week in Eastport, and several days of damp weather didn't dampen spirits.

The officers and crew of the USS Porter played a major role in the success of the holiday celebration, and Fourth of July Committee Co-chair J. Roland Mitchell says, "The highlight of Eastport's celebration was the sailing into the harbor of the USS Porter with Commander Doug Nashold and his officers and crew." The morning fog disappeared in time for the destroyer to arrive at the breakwater, but a steady rain kept the number of greeters down.
It was sunny and windy on Saturday for the many children's events scheduled that day. Children could compete in cupcake decorating and watermelon eating, as well as frisbee throwing and bike races. Local author Elsie Dinsmore held a signing of her latest mystery novel, Bailey's Bluff, and the Shead Classes of 1986 and 1996 held reunions. The public reception held for the ship attracted the largest crowd ever to the annual event. There was even a busload of Eastport Memorial Nursing Home residents at the Eastport Youth Center. The commander of the USS Porter, Commander Doug Nashold, was presented an aerial photograph of his ship, as well as a plaque from the 4th of July Committee and the citizens of Eastport. The Moose Island Follies 2006, held on Friday and Saturday night at the Eastport Arts Center, attracted full houses for each performance, no doubt ensuring its return next year.

Sunday morning's rain caused the chicken barbecue at St. Joseph's Parish Hall to be held inside, but that didn't deter diners. Fr. Gene Gaffey reports 150 dinners were sold before they ran out of chicken. Tickets for the barbecue were donated to the USS Porter and the U.S. Coast Guard, so some sailors and coastguardsmen enjoyed the free meal.

The nasty weather on Sunday morning didn't dampen the spirits of the runners in the Charles E. Davis 7-Mile Race, which was won this year by Austin Townsend of Perry. That afternoon, Chris Donahue had the crowd in stitches while he was emcee during the firemen's muster. Anyone wanting to stay dry could go up to Shead High School and watch movies of bygone Eastport. Overlook Park was the venue for a concert by Wenona's Band, as well as the Little Mr. and Miss 4th of July pageant, the pet show and music performed by Maine fiddlers Kate Wegner and Chuck Donnelly. Up at Shead High School, a crowd enjoyed the annual talent show.

The weather was sunny and warm on Monday, July 3, and many people started the day with breakfast at the American Legion Hall. Auxiliary president Patty Craig estimates 75 to 80 people were served by waitresses Thelma Mullen and Fran Mulcahy, and cooks Helen Earley and Jackie Davis received many compliments. The Border Historical Society earned over $2,000 from its annual auction. "Doris Newquist donated a lot of furniture, and during the auction she waved to me, and [auctioneer Jack Marshfield] thought it was a bid. She bought back her own lamp," chuckles organizer Ruth McInnis.

Walk Down Memory Lane, a collection of old photos that was set up in the new building on the corner of Water and Washington streets, attracted many viewers on Monday and Tuesday.

Events for children on Monday included the tiny tots fair at Library Park, puppet shows at the Eastport Arts Center and the Miss 4th of July competition at Overlook Park. The children's one-mile fun run attracted 45 competitors which was a record turnout. During the afternoon, 346 strawberry shortcakes were sold on the Peavey Memorial Library lawn on the final day of the three-day used book sale. Diners and browsers could enjoy the gospel music by Glory Bound playing in Library Park.

The launch of the John Pike Grady Endowment Fund to benefit the Boat School took place in Bank Square. It was followed, farther down the street, by the annual codfish relay. The Jubilee Singers performed at Overlook Park, and that evening organist George Bozeman treated his audience to a concert at the Eastport Arts Center, including a patriotic sing-along. Two of the longest-running events, Old Timers Night and the torchlight parade, were popular with revelers, and reunions were held by Shead Memorial High School's Classes of 1956, 1966 and 1971.

The morning of July 4 began the traditional flag-raising at the breakwater, which was attended by 30 early risers. Chris Mulcahy of Charlotte led the crowd in the singing of the "Star Spangled Banner." A couple of hours later, Eastport City Manager Bud Finch dedicated Flagg Field at the Eastport Municipal Airport in honor of the late Richard "Dick" Flagg's contributions to the airfield. The ceremony preceded the annual blueberry pancake breakfast, which attracted almost 1,000 diners this year.

Down around Bank Square on Tuesday morning were parked 45 entrants in the Buddy Allen Car Show 2006, which also included trucks and motorcycles. Land sports were held up the street while water sports and a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary breakfast and open house were held in the vicinity of the breakwater. Later in the morning, the popular blueberry pie-eating contest was held at Overlook Park. Frank Lank once again won in the adult category.

Christ Church on Key Street sold 105 fish chowders at lunch time, but Eleanor Norton reports the parking ban affected the attendance. "I don't know how that could be resolved, though," she says. Over at the Senior Citizen Center, diners could choose from a variety of sandwiches.

Setting a record for the most sailors ever to march in that parade were the 218 officers and crew from the USS Porter. They were applauded as they marched through town. Many politicians, including Governor John Baldacci, Senator Olympia Snowe and Rep. Michael Michaud, as well as political candidates, were part of the procession. Floats, bands, horses, costumed characters and several Anah Temple units were entertaining.

Officials from IGA and Bozzutos had such a good time in Eastport last year that they returned for this year's Old Home Week celebration. In addition to passing out 8,000 neckerchiefs, they made sure every sailor on the USS Porter received a t-shirt with "Support Our Troops" on the front.

Bringing smiles to the faces of both women and men in the crowd during the parade was Elvis impersonator Mike Bravener and his son, who serenaded bystanders. Their concert later that afternoon at Overlook Park drew a large crowd, and it was followed by a performance by Barbara's School of Dance.

The second annual reunion for Maine Army National Guard members and families was held in the late afternoon at the Eastport tenting area, and Sgt. Walter Cummings reports the event was "fantastic." The numbers were down a bit from last year, but those in attendance enjoyed themselves and the fried turkey was a popular item at the cook-out.

Fog began rolling in after the parade and led to the cancellation of that night's fireworks display. Noting that Mother Nature was successful at keeping the fog at bay for most of Old Home Week, J. Roland Mitchell points out that the Fourth of July program "again offered all ages the opportunity to participate in all contests, attend concerts and hold reunions of families, classmates and friends." He continued, "I appreciate the job done by the Fourth of July Committee members, the many who do the legwork at the races, parades and kids' contests, and who make everything all come together."