On Saturday, June 21, I spent about nine hours at Summerfest, beginning early in the morning. This is the best time to see lots of folks you know, all doing the same thing – preparing the way for the community to have a wonderful day of enjoyment.

Over committed as usual, I was assigned to the Windham Historical Society booth and to “help out” where it was needed. Dozens of boxes loaded and unloaded, and many miles walked gave new meaning to help – but believe me, there were dozens of us doing just that!

The weather was great except for a sudden patch of wind and drenching rain in the afternoon.

There were opportunities to visit with the likes of John Gavin at the veteran’s booth (thanks for loaning me a chair), Mike Shaughnessy showing a little child how to weave hay into sculpture (and loaning me a hat) and at the adjacent Land Trust and Windham Neighbors booths, we spent a lot of time talking with folks there about the good work done by each group. My visiting had to be selective because for some reason, I didn’t bring a hat and found the sun to be unrelenting!

The rides and music and athletic demonstrations attracted large crowds of mostly people I did not know and for many of us old-timers, proved how much Windham has changed. There was a time, years ago, when we would all have known each other at an event like this but now, I estimate I know about 10 percent of the festival attendees. On the other hand, I knew most of those who were volunteering in booths and different activities.

Walter Lunt resurrected a game that had last been played more than 50 years ago, when he found an old box marked “hoop toss” in the attic of the historical society building. He and Linda, his wife, got a bunch of trinkets and prizes together, and the old game attracted lots of younger children who for a pittance, could win a truly great prize – small fluorescent balls, a tiny flashlight on a keychain, a tiny deck of Old Maid cards. The kids had a terrific time. Jumping into a pool of shavings and digging for treasure ran a close second.

There were animals, helicopter rides, games of chance, rides, food, food and more food, a huge craft show I only heard about, a tremendous rummage sale, bike demos and lots more.

All in all, this year’s Summerfest was a keeper. What a lot of thanks the community owes to the organizers and workers and especially to the sponsors who footed the bill. Thanks to the McGoldrick Brothers for the fireworks, especially!

Next year I’ll bring a hat and a chair. See you next week.