Fourth of July Fun

It was great to see so many people milling about enjoying our new Causeway scene. There is a different vibe there now: one of modernity, pride, and cleanliness. Boating is particularly fun when passing under the new bridge in between Brandy Pond and Long Lake and waving to all the people keeping cool at the new shady space built there, complete with a concrete bench.

Due to chipping sidewalks, the area is undergoing some additional repair work, even this late in the summer. Visitors do not seem to mind. Just keep the ice cream flowing. The popular Naples Fireworks display did not disappoint either. The show went off without a hitch. My favorite part was the finale, but throughout the show there were some new fireworks I’d never seen before, even squiggly ones, which delighted the kids I was with.

I noticed there were more amateur fireworks going off around us as we waited for the Naples show. I would much rather go to a professional, orchestrated show than to purchase the now legal fireworks. Sales of fireworks exceeded expectations, which is good for the bottom line, but fires and accidents related to fireworks, I suspect, are also up. The National Fire Protection Agency states that Fourth of July is historically the day with more fires than any other. My advice is to leave it to the professionals.

Free Concert

In addition to the weekly free concerts held on Sundays on the Village Green lawn, Bray’s Bew Pub will be offering a free show in their biergarten this Friday night at 9 p.m. The Jessica Prouty Band will be performing a mix of originals and cover rock songs. If you would like to sample some music before the show, check out their website at www.jessicaprouty.com. I listened to a song called “Set Me Free” and I really liked the edgy, interesting musical arrangement and lyrics.

Local Beauty

It goes without saying that we live in a beautiful place. As a matter of fact, the beauty of Maine is what attracted my husband, Jeff Toole, a featured artist in both fundraisers, to live in Maine. He grew up vacationing in Maine, and he knew the less-hectic lifestyle Maine offers would afford him time to pursue his artistic endeavors. Luckily for us, there are many talented artists in the area, many of them willing to share their gift for a good cause. Artists from Naples and the area are participating in Bridgton’s Gallery 302’s popular Lobster Auction. It is amazing what these artists can do with a piece of wood! The auction will be held this Friday night, July 12, with a preview and reception beginning at 5 p.m. and the auction immediately following at 6 p.m. The Gallery is located at 112 Main St. in Bridgton. If you would like to stay local, the Naples Public Library is having an auction of their own at the Naples Golf and Country Club on Route 114 on Aug. 3. The library’s fundraiser will feature paddles painted with each artist’s vision. Tickets to the auction are $10 and include light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. The event runs from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Orchid Walk

Step out onto the boardwalk spanning the quaking bog at Holt Pond and explore for yourself the flecks of color amongst the sphagnum moss. Native orchids bloom along the boardwalk for only a few weeks in the summer, so get out and enjoy them at The Holt Pond Preserve in Naples, which is located on Pearly Road in Naples.

Songo River Queen Events

If you missed the Naples Dog Park Fundraiser or the Annual Zumba Cruise, have no fear, there are two of each this year! The second Dog Park Fundraiser will be held, dockside, on Friday, Aug. 23, from 7-9 p.m. Just think how a cool dog park would benefit Naples. All the best towns have one, let’s join the list. There will be a live band and cash bar specials. On Friday, Aug. 16, join yours truly and instructor Dinah Aldrich for the ever-popular Zumba Cruise. No doubt if you live or vacation on Long Lake, you’ve seen and heard us out there and maybe have even gotten a wave! We literally rock the boat. Tickets are $20 for the cruise, which runs from 7-9 p.m. and includes light hors d’oeuvres, and guest appearances by area instructors. Zumba fanatics will relish the chance to try out different instructors and get their groove on! For more information on both events visit www.songoriverqueen.net. If you can’t make the cruise, there is a dockside Zumba Class on the boat’s upper deck each Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. throughout the summer.

Naples Public Library Director Christine Powers holds two of the 24 paddles up for auction at this year’s library fundraiser on Aug. 3.