Eastport’s Fourth carries on traditions of Old Home Week

      After a somewhat soggy start, Old Home Week came roaring to life in Eastport with a Fourth of July celebration that rekindled fond memories of yesteryear with its energy and enthusiasm. People of all ages flooded the streets periodically during the week, from older couples walking hand in hand to young siblings racing to the fried dough carts. The festivities of July 4 were capped off with a stunning fireworks display nearly met in volume by the subsequent cheers and honks from across the island.
      The hallmark of the week was a visit from the USS Farragut, a guided missile destroyer with 260 officers and crew. The ship arrived on Wednesday, July 2, and departed the following Monday, with tours of the vessel available through Sunday. The ship proved to be a popular attraction throughout the celebration, with a comparable number of visitors taking the tour to previous years. The ship's sailors, for their part, enjoyed the opportunity to tour Eastport's downtown and participate in several events. One enlistee from west Texas who had never been to the Northeast commented that he liked the weather the most, noting, "It never gets too hot."
      The sailors weren't the only ones to come from afar to visit the port for the holiday, with some making the trip from other countries. One couple from France, traveling with their two young children, said they have frequently come to Eastport to share in the July 4th celebration and that they "love" the island city.
      When the week's events started on Tuesday, July 1, the cold and wet weather wasn't a deterrent for dozens of children who came ready to compete at the frisbee throwing contest on the lawn of Peavey Memorial Library. Flying discs soared far and wide as the youth did their best to imitate the Olympians of yore.
      That evening, a small but supportive crowd enjoyed the soothing rhythms of steel drum band Pan Storm as a wall of fog enveloped them. The band, some of whom were defiantly clad in shorts and flip flops, grooved along to the island vibes that were in no way diminished by the poor visibility.
      Wednesday saw the crowds beginning to coalesce as family friendly events such as the cupcake decorating contest and pet show were held. During the pet show, attendees were delighted to meet Gloria the chicken, who enjoys meditating, Peef the Old English game bird, who rode around on a skateboard, and Luna the Holland lop eared bunny, who was not interested in hopping -- but still won for their cuteness despite a competitive field.
      The talent show brought primarily musical acts to the stage, along with a demonstration of the ABCs in sign language from a 7-year old and a spot on seagull imitation. Singers tackled lounge music, classic rock and musicals, while 11 year old Bryson from Massachusetts shredded on his electric guitar and 10-year old Duncan from Saco showed off his breakdancing skills. Ryleigh Andrews and Ashlee Morang from Eastport, meanwhile, danced to "You're the One that I Want" from Grease.
      On Thursday, the bright sun arrived and rarely departed for the remainder of the week, with an ocean breeze remaining consistent to help keep temperatures cool. It was the ideal condition for the firemen's muster, which saw local fire departments competing against one another along with the Eastport Coast Guard Station and sailors from the Farragut. A few hundred watched the ensuing water shenanigans, which were soon followed by the famed codfish relay.
      Competition during the codfish relay was fierce, particularly when two Navy teams -- one including the ship's officers, and the other enlistees -- went at it to see who could dress in fisherman's attire and carry the fish to their awaiting teammates. The fish, which were actually salmon, were oiled in advance, but that didn't stop some from attempting to carry it in their mouths, to the crowd's aghast excitement.
      The Moose Island Follies saw a range of delightful performances, including a capella group Quoddy Connections, who at one point donned cow horns to share a comedic number from the bovine perspective. Other acts included the Salty Sirens belly dancers and Penny Rahm of Perry guiding a sing along to "A Cat in the Hat."
      On Friday, the mild weather conditions were perfect for the antique and classic vehicle show that opened up in Bank Square in the morning, as well as for the contests of athleticism held down the street. During the 100 yard dash, one older man watching the event marveled at the speed of some of the young participants, commenting, "Some of these kids are really fast."
      The capture the flag contest, in which participants attempt to grab a flag from a greased pole suspended over the harbor, was moved to the opposite side of the breakwater this year, with the pole being a few feet from the water's surface. The water was cold and refreshing, with one participating commenting that it will "wake you up" when you go in.
      The grand parade was nothing if not loud, with sirens from emergency vehicles, a chanting Navy contingent and bagpipers leading the charge and a cluster of Lyons tow trucks bringing up the rear with a ruckus of horns. Along with familiar guests such as Anah Shriners, who came in vehicles both large and small, the parade included several local floats that carried the parade's theme of "Remembering the Good Times." Popular mascots such as Mickey Mouse, Tigger and Sponge Bob walked the route, while the most popular modern mascot -- Santa Claus himself -- rode atop the ladder truck of the Eastport Fire Department. The Washington County Democrats and Indivisible both were well represented on foot.
      Dusk saw a thunderous cacophony of explosions as fireworks were set off from multiple locations around the island and across the bay, owing to Canada Day's fireworks being fogged out and some of the islands opting to fire them off in unison with the Eastport celebration. As the noise and crowds receded, the city took on a quiet air of gratitude at the completion of another successful festival in honor and memory of America's birthday.