Once again, volunteers in Westbrook are helping to pull off another successful Westbrook Together Days on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3.

Westbrook Mayor Bruce Chuluda said Westbrook has another strong contingent of volunteers for the 27th annual event. “We’re still blessed and fortunate to have people to put this thing together,” said Chuluda, chairman of the event.

Planning and putting on an event the size of Together Days takes a lot of work and coordination. Amy Holmes and Dana Peterson of Calpine are heading up that company’s corps of volunteers. Holmes said Calpine’s former plant manager Bill Vogel handed over the reins to them.

Holmes said a number of Calpine’s employees donate their time to organize Westbrook Together Days. “Calpine has always been involved in the community,” she said.

Groups and individuals wishing to have booths register and send applications to the Chamber of Commerce, Holmes said. Then with “who’s selling what” in mind, Holmes and fellow Calpine volunteers plot locations for booths for the vendors at Riverbank Park.

Holmes said 10 people would work nearly all day on Thursday, June 1, and Friday, June 2, getting ready for the opener on Friday night. Besides installing booths, they set up two stages for entertainment.

She said there is still some space available for this year’s event for those who could provide their own booths. If they need electricity, they should contact Holmes.

Herb Pray volunteers his expertise as the event’s electrician, wiring booths in addition to the stages for lighting and sound. Dismantling represents a lot of work too after the crowds go home. “On Saturday, he’s there until midnight or 1 a.m.,” Holmes said about Pray.

Lisa Glidden is heading up the parade this year on Saturday, June 3. She succeeds Kelley MacLennan as chairman.

Glidden is getting help organizing the parade from her sister-in-law, Lorraine Glidden. They’ll also get a hand from MacLennan, who has offered to help line up the parade.

But on parade day, Lisa Glidden said a few more volunteers would be welcome. “One or two wouldn’t hurt,” she said.

Chuluda praised those who have donated their time over the years. “A lot of dedicated folks,” Chuluda said.

He said the various aspects of this year’s event are pretty well set. Leona Glidden is again volunteering to put the annual auction together, Chuluda said.

The number of volunteers has remained steady for the event through the years, Chuluda said. But he is looking to attract some more new blood, hoping additional people with planning and organizational skills would volunteer.

Encouraging others to step forward, Chuluda said volunteering isn’t all consuming. But he added that being part of Together Days does represent time, work and coordination.

He said the strong support of people in the community makes a difference. “Many hands make light work,” Chuluda said.

Those wishing to volunteer in general for Westbrook Together Days should call Chuluda. “Give me a shout,” he said.

Chuluda can be reached at 775-1728 or at City Hall at 854-9105.

To volunteer for registering booths or setting up the park call Holmes at 854-2216, ext. 17.

Volunteers interested in helping out with the parade should call Lisa Glidden at 856-9990.

The event has drawn strong support again from the corporate community. This year’s sponsors include Idexx, Glidden Paving and Excavating and Full Court Press as well as Calpine.

Superintendent Stan Sawyer works the crowd at a Together Days auction several years ago. Sawyer will be returning as an auctioneer once again this year with his sidekick Al Juniewicz.