The last hurrah
The final voyage of the Songo River Queen ll through the Naples Swing Bridge was an emotional event for many. According to Kent Uicker, owner of the Songo Queen II, there was “a tremendous turnout both on land and lake…there were over 200 people on the boat and many onlookers and supporters at every place possible on land.” At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, the Songo River Queen II was the last boat to ever pass through the historic swing bridge. Here is one perspective of the historic occasion from year-round Brandy Pond resident Kelly Drake-Clavette.
“On a typical summer day on Brandy Pond, we had become accustomed to hearing the hum of the paddle wheel of the Songo River Queen II. As it approached our house, my kids would race to the dock to ring a bell for The Queen and in response, The Queen would ring its bell back to us. On Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, at 12:15 our family rang the bell one last time. As a final farewell, the Queen paused in front of our home, rang its bell as our kids held a sign at the end of our dock that said “Brandy Pond Will Miss You.”
As The Queen continued down Brandy Pond we followed behind her by boat and watched as she took her final trip through the Songo Locks. As she maneuvered her final voyage through the Songo River people lined their docks to pay tribute to The Queen. On her way back through Brandy Pond, The Queen had a parade of boats waiting to escort her back to Long Lake and through the swing bridge that would be opened for the last time. People lined the bridge waving goodbye to a piece of history that will have a new story. Although The Queen will still be seen on Long Lake, there will always be a void here on Brandy Pond for a tradition that is no more.”
Of course, there are two sides to every story. One Naples resident who preferred to remain anonymous stated he ‘had dents on his forehead from hitting his head against the steering wheel every time he had to wait for the bridge! Whatever your view, there is no arguing that this is the end of an era for Naples and the beginning of a new exciting future.
Causeway update
Now that the bridge is shut for good, the construction crews can drive piles on that side and begin building ‘Abutment One.’ (The plans are up at the Naples Town Office if you want to see exactly what that means). Next week the crew plans on paving and grading the westerly extension, which runs from Freedom Cafe? to the cemetery. This will cause significant delays. The goal is to get some pavement done before the Fryeburg Fair, when the construction is contractually not permitted to delay traffic. There should not be any delays near the bridge.
Adults can play, too!
It’s time for some football. If you love the game, why not play with your friends and neighbors? Naples Recreation Department is offering a pick-up style Adult Flag Football League for those 18 and older on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. The games will be held at Plummer Field Complex, located behind the Naples American Legion on Route 11, right off of Route 302.
Dance for ?a good cause
Spaulding Memorial Library in neighboring Sebago is holding a Fall Fling Benefit Dance on Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Old Sebago Town Hall, Route 107. Jeff Fahey will be playing some great music starting at 7:30 p.m. There will be raffles and a cash bar. What a great way to get together with your friends and family before winter hibernation begins. Homemade food is included in the $15 admission fee.
Brew Fest
The weather is looking good for the 8th annual Maine Lakes Brew Fest to be held this Saturday, Sept. 24 at Point Sebago from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Plenty of food, vendors, and samples of the best brews around. It’s always a fun and popular event. Call the Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce at 647-3472 to get your tickets or for more information.
Cabaret auditions
Auditions for Lake Region Community Theatre’s “Salute Our Vets! A Star-Spangled Cabaret” will take place Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at Songo Locks School. The auditions are open to all ages. Arrive at the school on Songo Locks Road in Naples between 6 and 6:15 p.m. for a time slot.
Please prepare two songs, solo or duet, OR a monologue, poem, letter, tribute or anything patriotic that you would like to perform. Bring sheet music for provided piano accompanist or pre-recorded accompaniment without vocals. Dance troupes with a patriotic-themed routine are also welcomed to audition.
The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 5 at the American Legion Hall on Route 11 in Naples. Rehearsals will be on Thursday, Oct. 13 and 27 with a dress review on Nov. 3. For more information, contact director Laurie Shepard at 831-0633.
Dog park fundraiser
There has been buzz about a designated place for our dogs to get together. Now down to the business of making it happen and you know what that means: Money! Join Animal Control Officer Bobby Silcott and friends at Bray’s Brew Pub right here in Naples Sunday, Oct. 2, for the first official fundraiser for this project.
The event will kick off at 3 p.m. and go all night. Stop by for fun, raffles, food and more. FMI, visit their Facebook page for the Naples Dog Park Fundraiser.
Kayla Jordan and Leah Clavette take a moment for a photo as the
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