Multiple generations numbering around 200 flooded the grounds of Horizons Living and Rehabilitation Center on Friday for their fifth annual carnival and lobster bake.

Kids manned concessions including cotton candy, popcorn, fried dough and ice cream as residents, staff and family members from Horizons, Dionne Commons and Coastal Shores played games and took turns dunking Horizons Administrator Peter Davison and Office Manager Melinda Fournier in the tank.

One highlight of the day, a lobster bake complete with whole lobster or lobster rolls with sides. Burgers, hot dogs and chips were also available and quite popular with the younger crowd.

Davison said staff and family members paid a small amount for their lunch and all money, including donations onsite, go toward the activities and for the musicians and entertainers hired to perform.

“We enjoy it — it’s the best day ever,” Davison said.

Davison said the annual carnival gives residents who cannot go to events like the Topsham Fair an alternative experience as well as an opportunity to spend a fun day with staff and family.

“It’s what you should be doing — trying to help them have their life, their community, and just enjoy a nice summer day,” Davison said.

Activities Director Gayle Stephenson said some family members have come a long way, even one man who flew in from Los Angeles to spend the day with his father.

“It’s the one day you just blow off everything and enjoy life — that’s what you’re supposed to do here is enjoy. Still try and pursue your dreams with whatever restrictions you have in your life,” Davison said.

Stephenson said the carnival gets a little bigger each year. She said it’s all about giving residents a special day where they can fuss over them.

Stephenson said she also makes them a part of organizing and making the event.

“Year after year, we make all kinds of different things to make them more involved and it’s just a wonderful program to help them just feel like they’re part of the community doing stuff like we would normally be doing if we were out in the community,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said Horizons, Dionne Commons and Coastal Shores together are like one big family and if she were ever to need a nursing facility, she would prefer her work home at Horizons.

“It seems to be very home-like, family oriented and a lot of caring and compassion and it’s a wonderful place to work,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson said that even the children, both of staff as well as the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids of the residents, grow up within that family of staff and residents.

“We adopt each and every person like they’re our own, honestly,” Stephenson said. “They move in and it’s lovely that people let us love their loved ones the way that we’re able to and care for them. It’s an honor to be able to do that every day and making a difference in someone’s life every day is really important.”

dmcintire@timesrecord.com