If you see even more out-of-state plates than usual this week, smile, wave and thank them for visiting with all of their money…It’s Camp Parent Weekend in Bridgton, as the dozens of boys and girls camps in the Lakes Region show mom and dad what they’re really spending thousands of dollars on. And if you picked this week to vacation in Maine, you win! These days of endless sunshine are what sustain us during the long nights of winter, as we dream of swimming in the lake, going to the Drive-In and eating lobster rolls in the park. I hope you love our little town as much as we do. Welcome!

I ran

In the spirit of shameless self-promotion (and irrational overconfidence) I ran two road races last week. The Ring Farm 5K was a fundraiser for Equine Journeys, providing therapeutic horse riding lessons to disabled children. The scenic, hilly route along the ridges of North Bridgton is beautiful, and 70 runners enjoyed a hot morning run for a great cause.

Three days later I laced the Asics back up for Four On the Fourth, one of New England’s top 10 races. The 36th annual race had its biggest field ever of 2,200 runners, and the cool morning mist made it the most “pleasant” of the six I’ve run. Not that the 7-percent grade of Pond Road is ever easy, but at least it wasn’t as hot and muggy as years past. This event raises more than $20,000 for our local library, as well as vital funds for many other local charities and nonprofits. After finishing both races in good time I am hereby declaring that I am not running for the remainder of the summer unless I’m being chased.

Summerfest

The Bridgton Community Center is holding its fourth annual summer event, Summerfest, this weekend on the campus of Stevens Brook School. It is the BCC’s largest fundraiser of the year, and helps them continue to provide essential services year-round.

The three-day event, to be held on Friday, July 20, through Sunday, July 22, will feature carnival rides, an Army rock climbing wall, the Maine Obsolete Auto League, Remax hot air balloon rides and mechanical bull riding. There will also be the annual pig roast, courtesy of Chris McDaniel and Wayne and Laurie Allen on Saturday, July 21. Each day will have live entertainment, including The Rockin’ Recons, Wrong Road and Smoking Loafers. For more information, call Chairman KenMurphy at 242-9417.

Art in the Park

There is lots to do in Bridgton in July, and the mid-month highlight is the annual Art in the Park art fair. Held in beautiful Shorey Park by the Highland Lake beach, this juried exhibition brings dozens of Maine-based painters, sculptors, jewelers and photographers to town.

Whether you are looking for a grand oil painting, a whimsical miniature, a photo of a local moose or a hand-thrown vase to put fresh flowers in, you will find it and more at Art In the Park.

Art in the Park runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, on Saturday, July 21. If you have any questions about this event or any of the exhibiting artists, please call Gallery 302 at 647-ARTS.

Oak, ash, poplar, pine

There is a diversity of flora and fauna in our beautiful in-town forest, and you are invited to discover the many species in Pondicherry Park.

Join Lakes Environmental Association’s naturalist Mary Jewett for a tree identification hike in the park on Friday, July 20, at 9 a.m. You will set out from the Bob Dunning Bridge behind the Magic Lantern and meander along the Stevens Brook. Learn how to use keys to identify trees using their leaves, bark and buds. Jon Evans from Loon Echo Land Trust will be there to share some of the land use history of the park. To register, call Mary at 647-8580.

Mozart Monday

If you love classical music and helping out a local nonprofit, mark your calendar. The Lakes Environmental Association is the recipient of the Camp Encore/Coda Mozart Chamber Orchestra Concert at Deertrees Theater in Harrison.

The show starts at 8 p.m. on Monday, July 16, and will include several of Mozart’s most beloved pieces including Symphony No. 38 and Overture to La clemenza di Tito. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and are available at Deertrees and the LEA office, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. For more information, call LEA, 647-8580.

Denmark Dam Jam

Just down Route 117 from Bridgton is the lovely little town of Denmark, where the cultural highlight is usually looking at the wall of tagged deer at JimBob’s Store. Until now…

In what might be the coolest local event of summer, the Denmark Arts Center is throwing the first “Dam Jam” music festival in the town’s waterfront park. On Saturday, July 21 there will be music, magic and microbrews all day long. Featuring Samuel James, the Toughcats, Coke Weed and the MilkMan’s Union, the all-day event will also have a beer garden filled with Bray’s brews. This is a fundraiser for the Arts Center, and suggested donation is $10. The show goes on from the afternoon until 10 p.m., and bring your bathing suit for a dip in Moose Pond.

Paws and Claws

On Sunday, July 15, from noon until 2:30 p.m., Bridgton Veterinary Hospital will be hosting its 4th Annual Pet Community Event, featuring rescues, shelters, animal welfare organizations, and vendors from local groups.

This year there will be grooming demonstrations by Dippitty Dog of Fryeburg and pointing bird dog demonstrations by Tailfeathers Upland Store of Raymond, and attendees will be voting for the final winners of dog and cat Best In Show Photo Contests. Many great organizations will be represented including Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Maine Cocker Spaniel Rescue, Responsible Pet Care of Norway, Second Chance Boxer Rescue and Little Paws Big Hearts Pekingese Rescue.

This family-friendly event is always popular and fun, and is free for everyone. Who knows, you might even find the puppy of your dreams. Bring a crate, just in case. FMI call Leah Haney, Community Outreach, at 647-8804.

Happy Birthday, Mons

Three of my best friends are celebrating birthdays this week, and I know how much they all love being reminded of getting another year older. So cheers to another year filled with lots of love, laughter, Sequence and Scattergories. I’m so lucky to have you in my life Peter Cash, Erica Chute and Shannon Leydon!