Eight a.m. Saturday morning the volunteers gathered at the Center Church and Community Building, ranging in age from 13 to somewhere north of 75. The hot dog grills, popcorn machine, and children’s area were set up. Inside the community building, stacks of homemade biscuits and tubs of strawberries made from the berries picked last week were assembled. A table of strawberry jam and pies was set up on the other side of the room. Parking and traffic control volunteers took their posts.

At 10 a.m., as always, the parade set off from Drake Market down Main Street, joined by the pack of children on bikes at the Community Library. A contingent of fire trucks, led by Lincolnville’s Engine 4, a 1959 Ford F-600, still in use, though the rest of the fleet is a bit more up to date.

Lincolnville Heart and Soul had a float, and the Thunder Valley Lawnmower racing team were present. And so many cool antique vehicles of varying vintages.

Now I was planning to help with hot dogs, but it became immediately apparent as a crowd descended that the fellas running the grills had things handled; meanwhile, Cyrene Slegona was alone painting faces. A few last minute illnesses had caused some volunteer shortages, and I knew what I had to do. Once again, pretend I can face-paint.

And what a crowd it was. So many smiling faces — locals, recent arrivals, and visitors. People who had moved away long ago, but returned to show their own kids this Lincolnville tradition.

As the face-painting table was mobbed, Mary Shannon grabbed a brush, soon followed by Amy Hand, who could not stay away from a pack of children in need of a strawberry or a butterfly or a ice cream painted on their cheek. They are both volunteered for next year, whether they know it or not.

It was more than two hours before I would look up.

The Strawberry Festival, 2023, was a clear success. By 12:30 everything was sold out: 250 hot dogs, 90 ice cream sandwiches (homemade by Brittney Green), who knows how many strawberry shortcakes, pies, jars of jam.

The Festival is the Lincolnville Christian Church’s primary fundraiser, with money going to the General Fund, which helps with repairs to the 1821 Meeting House, as well as the Good Neighbor Fund, which helps locals in need.

As my wife, Tracee O’Brien, took over the reins of organizing the event this year, in close partnership with Roberta Heald, who has been the primary organizer in past years, I bore witness to the commitment, dedication, and love for this town the volunteers brought.

Special thanks to Gretchen Drake, of Drake Market, for their generous donation of paper goods, whipped cream for the shortcakes, and for the candy which was tossed out to eager kids along the parade route.

As clean-up commenced, I happily volunteered to drive home a lifelong Lincolnville resident.

He could not stop smiling, talking about how happy it made him to see the life in the church of his boyhood, particularly the young(er) people participating. He told me about attending one room schoolhouses in town, the Beach School (now the Lincolnville Historical Society) and the Center School (now the Lincolnville Community Library).

He shared his belief that we need to get together like this, and that being together is what keeps us healthy. I tend to agree.

Lincolnville Indoor Flea Market

Return to the Community Building at 18 Searsmont Road Saturday, July 18, for the monthly flea market. There will be antiques, handicrafts, value-added farm products, and artwork, as well as delicious church-lady baked goods. The event is sponsored by the UCC Church, contact Mary Schulien at 207-785-3521 with questions.

Condolences

For the family of Kerry Jean Albano, a long time Lincolnville resident.

I hope everyone is able to get out and enjoy the summer, and the garden bounty that is appearing. Should you lack your own garden, check out one of our farmstands, like 3 Bug Farm on the Hope Road, or Ararat Farm on the Belfast Road. Be kind and take care of yourselves.

If you have news, let me know at ceobrien246@gmail.com