Every year on a Saturday when the leaves are falling, this city rolls it all up into one.
“Autumnfest,” which includes Bath Citizen Involvement Day, is the collaboration of much work and planning by the Community Development Office and Main Street Bath.
The event actually started Monday, with children’s window painting at downtown storefronts. The autumnal celebration comes to a head on Saturday with events throughout the city.
Citizen Involvement Day, in its 14th year, is a celebration that offers nonprofit organizations the chance to display their information to the public and attract volunteers.
Officials say it’s also about recognizing people who help make this vibrant city tick.
“It’s really a celebration of citizen involvement in Bath,” said Marc Meyers, director of community relations.
During a noontime ceremony at Waterfront Park, a committee will announce the Citizen of the Year, Community Spirit, Community Project and Youth awards.
Kimberly Gates, recognized for her “initiative, diligence, and passion in her continuing work” organizing the Bath Food Bank and the Bath Mobile Food Truck, won last year’s Citizen of the Year Award. The Food Truck won the Community Project Award.
Main Street Bath and Joe Grace earned Community Spirit awards, Steve Mosher won the Community Project Award and Kyle Wood won the Youth Award.
Citizen Involvement Day also includes Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine Craft Show and music in Waterfront Park, provided by Dave Bullard and Soundwavz Band from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dave Bullard and Soundwavz Band play classics, Latin salsa, reggae and country.
Kids are a huge part of Autumnfest, and that will be evident all over the city Saturday.
Activites will include scarecrow-making, a craft show, merchant open houses, antique fire truck and trolley rides and much more.
The Bath Parks & Recreation Department will furnish hay, twine, paint and muslin for the scarecrowmaking, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Customs House lawn on Front Street. It’s a huge attraction.
“We had 192 scarecrows made last year, and over 400 people participated,” said Karyn Garofoli, assistant director of Bath Parks and Recreation. “Families come over, and they get to take the scarecrows home.”
Awards for the window painting will go to individuals, families and children in grades 3 to 6 and 6 to 8.
In addition, food will be available throughout the city on Saturday. There will be a fall fashions show, as well.
lgrard @timesrecord.com
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