What a week to be in the great state of Maine! There’s no sky bluer, no leaves redder, no friends truer, no fair better…

Although this column is called “Inside Bridgton”, I seemed to have spent most of this past week outside Bridgton. It all relates though, so here goes – what a whirlwind.

Just Over the Border

Wednesday evening found Bridgtonian Veronica Kugelman and me at the Red Parka Pub in Glen, N.H., “representing” at the Fandangles benefit. When the landmark restaurant in North Conway burned to the ground two weeks ago, dozens of employees lost their jobs. Some had been with owners Wally and Beth Campbell for 30 years. By week’s end, most of them had been hired by other restaurants, notably Merlino’s Steakhouse. The local response was incredible, but as Wally Campbell said, not unexpected.

“I’ve been in business here for 35 years and couldn’t imagine people being nicer anywhere else. This is such a special place, where everyone watches out for each other. I can’t say enough about how grateful my family and staff are by all of the help we’ve gotten,” he said.

Bob Wentworth, owner of the 302 Roadhouse in Bridgton, managed the Red Parka for years and donated two gift certificates to the silent auction at the fundraiser.

“I’m not surprised by the outpouring of support; the restaurant community is close knit. It’s just what we do. I was happy to help,” he said.

All proceeds raised went directly to the employee’s fund, and local favorite Bucky Lewis entertained the packed house with his unique comedic style. Good luck to the Campbells and all of their employees with their rebuilding efforts.

Onward to Casco

What could be better than a Brewfest? Not much, as far as I’m concerned. Especially a brewfest on a beach, under sparkling skies, with 2,000 old and new friends enjoying beer and wine from the East Coast’s finest bottlers.

Last Saturday’s event was truly a “Chamber of Commerce” day for the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Mike McClellan and his horde of volunteers couldn’t have asked for more perfect weather. Point Sebago hosted the fest, and I heard more than one attendee raving about how it was the “Best fest ever,” and a better location than the Maine Brewer’s Fest in Portland. Attendees were glad they “drove all the way out here today.”

The mood was fun and festive, bordering on raucous but never out-of-hand. Bray’s new Redeye P.A. was a crowd favorite, and I went back twice to sample Dogfish Head’s 90 Minute IPA, which is about as deliciously bitter as a beer can be.

Congratulations to the Lakes Garden Club for winning best booth, Blacksmith’s Winery for Best Wine and Woodchuck Cider for the coveted People’s Choice Best Brew. Cheers!

Off to the Fair

With less than 24 hours to catch my breath, it was up to Fryeburg bright and early Sunday for the 157th Fair. Mother Nature is treating us to an endless summer this year, and the glorious warmth just keeps on rolling. I love the fair.

This was my 12th annual visit, and it never gets old. I love how it always seems the same, how we always go in the ferris wheel entrance and bee-line for the Conway Church’s blueberry crisp. Heaven help you if you get in my way before I get there! I know people love Sunflower pizza, sausage sandwiches, French fries, bloomin’ onions…but I’ve got what y’all call a “wicked” sweet tooth! So I end each visit with a stop at Belgian Acres apple crisp booth, whose line seems to be getting longer and longer, with good reason.

My favorite non-eating activity this year was the super-cool Carriages and Caravans exhibit by the Draft horses. There are all kinds of authentic, not reproduced, horse-drawn wagons inside. The two Gypsy “vardos” were beyond description. The ornate, hand carved and painted caravans have a built-in bed, china sideboard, even a mantle with a working wood stove. They’re styled out with wild rococo tapestries and rugs, and make my Snyder Hi-Lo look like a hovel. Those Gypsys were traveling in style.

Laura Waterman at Bridgton Library

On Saturday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. widow and author Laura Waterman will be at Bridgton’s Public Library for a community conversation.

Waterman’s husband, Guy, left his wife a final love letter, hiked out and deliberately froze to death atop New Hampshire’s Mount Lafayette in February 2000.

As a teenager Guy Waterman became a first-rate jazz pianist. He graduated at the top of his college class and could recite seven hours of Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost. He wrote speeches for presidents Eisenhower, Nixon and Ford.

Laura Waterman has written “Losing the Garden: The Story of Marriage,” part biography, part eulogy, and part memoir and will be speaking on her loss, his life, and going forward when faced with overwhelming obstacles.

The Reverend John Fillmore-Patrick, pastor of Denmark’s Congregational Church, will moderate the conversation with Laura Waterman.

Refreshments will be served at this event which is handicapped accessible, free and open to the public. The Bridgton Public Library is located in downtown Bridgton at 64 Main St.

For more information about the event, visit the Bridgton Public Library’s Web site: http://www.bridgton.lib.me.us/friends.htm or telephone 647-2389.

Goodbye, Leo

On a final note, a sad farewell to Leo Soucy. I’d like to extend deep condolences to Francie Soucy and Leo’s children and family. He passed away unexpectedly in September and was only 53. He was a bartender at Bray’s, a volunteer ski instructor at both Cranmore Mountain and Shawnee Peak, a self-employed wood crafter and a computer web designer. Everyone knew Leo. His death comes at the end of a tough season of loss for the Bray’s restaurant family, following the tragic boating accident that took Raye Trott and Suzanne Groetzinger. If you want to contribute to the fund established for his children, donations can be made to:

The Soucy Children Account

In care of Andres Osgood

P.O. Box 200

Bridgton, Maine 04009

Any gesture makes a difference, so if you’ve got it, give it!