Children, teens, and adults took advantage of a rapidly warming morning to be outside and participate in group events this Memorial Saturday, May 27, 2023. Though many events were held around the region, the Pen Bay Pilot was able to grab a camera for three outdoor public events.

Teen rowers glided across the waters of Megunticook Lake, starting from Camden’s Barrett’s Cove, at 9 a.m., as fellow rowers from Waynflete and Maine Coast Rowing Association challenged the Megunticook Rowing Club in several heats. The annual Dirigo Sprints.

In one such heat within the first hour of racing, one particular girls race had spectators on edge with excitement as Megunticook and Maine Coast flew to the finish line in a bow-to-bow battle for the lead. For those watching from the finish line, the two boats appeared equally matched, until in the last second, Maine Coast nosed ahead.

After the races, the three teams planned to join together for an awards ceremony and cookout.

Meanwhile, several miles away, Thomaston Main Street, Inc, opened festivities at 10 a.m. for a family-friendly Spring Block Party next to the Lura Libby Municipal Building. By 11:45 a.m., many families had drifted home for lunch, and the morning band was dismantling their gear. Many children, parents, and vendors continued to play at the bounce house, the cornhole toss, the playground, and the mini activities in between. Another band, Blind Albert, was scheduled for the afternoon portion of the event, which concluded at 2 p.m.

For adults, the General Henry Knox Museum hosted its tenth annual Boots on the Ground ceremony. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. Patriotic ceremonies before and after festivities commemorated the importance of the holiday weekend and honored the service and sacrifice of America's armed forces. The keynote speaker included Doc Goodwin, President of the Maine Veterans Project and a Navy Combat Veteran. After the ceremonies, lunch was served by Tenants Harbor Masons, Knox Museum personnel, and American Legion Post One.