Grand old time at Sherman Old Home Days

Deborah Rafford, Special to the Pioneer Times, Special to The County
15 years ago

Sherman was the place to be over Labor Day Weekend during the Old Home Days Celebration.
On Saturday, Jarice Kelley held her fourth annual “Tea at the Red House” for ladies of all ages. The bandstand was open with their delicious red hotdogs with or without grilled onions. The Sherman High Alumni Banquet honored the classes of 1939, 1949 and 1959 at the Sherman Gym, followed by a 1950s Sock Hop with “That RFD Gang” which was open to the public.
Sunday brought on the breakfast at the Masonic Hall, with a Co-Ed Softball Tournament behind the Sherman Gym. A church service was held at the Washburn Memorial Church, the bandstand was open all day, a lobster dinner was sold out in the Park, and hospitality booths were open to buy coffee, fudge, grounds tickets and ‘surprise’ drawing tickets. Gospel music was enjoyed in the park as several groups entertained the crowds. Cruisin’ in the Park was held in front of Tom’s garage, and a Children’s Parade brought smiles and ‘oohs and ahs’ from the spectators. Free children’s games were provided and bike raffles were drawn with four happy winners peddling off sporting huge grins.
A Baby Pageant and Little Miss Old Home Days Pageant drew admirers and family members to the Gym to root on their favorites. Five contestants vied for Miss Old Home Days, and all were winners as they all walked away with flowers and trophies, with the winner also receiving a sash and a tiara. The Chicken Barbecue in the park was a huge success, and those who could still move, went back to the gym for a Variety Show and the crowning of “Mr.” Old Home Days.
Monday finally arrived with the much anticipated donuts at “The Donut Hole” on Perrin’s lawn, with lines once again across the lawn and into the street. The Co-Ed Softball Tourney continued throughout the day, and the ‘only parade in Maine that goes around twice’ enjoyed a “Wild, Wild West Adventures” Theme.
Beano, sponsored by the Sherman Fire Department, was played under the Big Tent, with folks from all around enjoying the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” Steve Guiggey once again held an Art Show at the library, with winners in different age groups. Ages 6-10: First, Ryder Stubbs; second, Lauren Somers; and third, Emily Smith. Ages 11-15: First, Jacob Stubbs; second, Ken Smith; and third, Riley Somers. Ages 16-20: First, Brooke Livezey; second, Ashley Paradis; and third, Rikki Kimball. Honorable mention: Brianne Noyes, Cyndi Irish and Damien Smith. Adult: First, Amy Bouchard; second, Fran Sleeper; and third, Craig Greenier. People’s Choice went to Amy Bouchard for her painting of a farm truck in a field.
The Annual Craft Fair was held once again at the gym, with folks wandering in and out all day. The Northern Katahdin Valley Region Chamber of Commerce, headed up by Heidi Hollis met a snafu when only two cars showed up for the “Classic Car Show”, after a dispute over entrance fees.
Music could be heard throughout the day by various groups, and folks gathered in to visit and renew old acquaintances. Squeals of delight were heard during the children’s cupcake walk, and Melanie Lainey was a hit with her Pet Show.
After the days’ events, it’s no wonder the Bean Supper was also sold out. The ladies apologize to anyone who missed out. At the conclusion of the weekend, the ‘big ticket’ items were drawn, and the weekend’s events were etched into the minds of those who packed up to go back home. Thanks to The Sherman Fire Department, John Porter of Sherman won the rifle. Thanks to Goodrich Jewelers of Houlton, June Robinson of Sherman won the beautiful necklace. The $100 Grounds Ticket was won by Jim Parmentier of Sherman. The Molunkus Valley Sno-Drifters has a 50/50 raffle, and Lorie Lake of Stacyville won $153.50.
Thank you to everyone who donated towards the Fireworks display for the Christmas Parade to be held November 28th. There is still a monetary need to reach the $2,500 goal for the fireworks. To donate, contact Debbie at 267-1200.
Rounding up children and wayward spouses, there were last minute goodbyes, with promises to write or get together more often. But some will have to wait for that get-together next year, same time same place.
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