Sun shines on sixth annual Squapan Fun Fest
MAPLETON NEWS
by Jennifer Buzza
Families with camps at Scopan Lake enjoyed the sixth annual Fun Fest, sponsored by the Squapan Outing Club and Fun Fest Committee. Activities took place Saturday, July 14 at the landing area. The warm, sunny day began with a bike parade down the Bangor Road. Led by a decorated golf cart driven by camp owner Debbie Sawyer, several children of all ages rode on their patriotic decorated bikes or in other modes of decorated transportation. The Fun Fest Committee provided a treat bag of prizes for each child that participated, distributed by camp owner Peter Teare and his family.
Once everyone returned to the landing, families had the opportunity to purchase Squapan souvenirs, 50/50 tickets and register for the annual Camp Decorating Contest. With the temperature rising, children were anxious to participate in the watermelon eating contest. Mackenzie Vigue of Castle Hill was named the winner in the four and under division, Hailey Jones of Rockland was named the winner in the five to nine-year-old category and Peter Vollertsen of Stafford, N.H. won in the 10 and up division. (He proved that braces do not interfere in an eating contest). Prizes were awarded to all three winners.
Following the watermelon eating contest, nearly 20 children anxiously awaited their turn to dig through the sawdust pile for the annual toy hunt. Four age groups were given a few minutes each to find as many mini patriotic toys and candy as they could. While volunteers helped hide more toys between divisions, children were instructed to turn around and kept distracted by doing silly, unexpected movements and hand motions led by camp owner Aaron Buzza until it was their turn to go “digging.”
During the afternoon festivities, children also enjoyed face painting led by camp owner Rose York, played games like ladder golf, tetherball and bean bag toss, and participated in organized water balloon games led by Jennifer and Aaron Buzza. Thankful (and anxious) to get wet, everyone had a great time taking part in several different water balloon relays, as well as a “sponge brigade.” Fourteen children, assisted by numerous parents, learned how to tie-dye their own T-shirts. Everyone created their own pattern and the finished shirts were very colorful, with each one being unique. Before departing for the afternoon, the annual family scavenger hunt lists were handed out.
By 6 p.m. over 400 camp owners and members of the general public enjoyed the annual bean-hole-bean supper sponsored by the Squapan Outing Club. Fireman Fred, a camp owner himself, entertained the crowd with music and karaoke. The annual 50/50 drawing was held at the conclusion of the supper and the Vollersten family of New Hampshire proudly took home $150!
Any children still at the landing were invited to make their own s’mores with all supplies provided by the Fun Fest Committee. At 7 p.m. families raced to the landing for the official tabulation of the scavenger hunt. After several hours of tracking down 50 items, Debbie Sawyer and granddaughter, Madelyn Buzza of Mapleton, were named the winners. The runner-up prize went to Jennifer Keiser and family of Presque Isle, last year’s winners.
Sunday morning, camp owners Dave and Phyllis McIntyre hosted the annual business meeting for all camp owners. Various issues were discussed and four members were voted to the board for a three-year term and one member was voted in for a two-year term due to a resignation. The 2012 Camp Decorating Contest winner was announced and the traveling moose antler trophy was awarded to Peter Teare and family of Uxbridge, Mass.
The Squapan Outing Club would like to thank the public for its continued support. Whether you attended the bean supper, purchased Squapan souvenirs or 50/50 tickets, the Club appreciates the generosity of our neighbors! We hope to see you all at our bean supper again next year!
The Mapleton United Baptist Church
THE MAPLETON UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH hosted 46 students and 13 helpers July 9-13. Joshua and Melanie Duncan directed “Sent with a Message” Vacation Bible School. 
The week events included Bible stories focusing on the apostle Paul, crafts, snacks, mission projects, songs, games and making a video. Helpers and children participating were, from left, front row: Cassidy Clair, Amethyst Rogers, Brayden Boulier, Sophia Morton, Ranger Morton, Sadi Tardif, Bronwyn Potter, Jacob King, Ethan Dionne, Carter Vigue and Madelyn Buzza. Second row: Kaden Tardif, Alyssa Addington, Thomas Langille, Kameron Tardif, Angel Willette, Emma King, Isabelle Dionne, Joseph Bicknell and Ashley Turner. Third row: Logan Akeley, Jordan Wood, Parker Potter, Ellie Clark, Janelle Tetreault, Ian Langille, Ryan Gallagher and Rebecca Langille. Fourth row: Justin Edwards-Robidou, Gavin Akeley, Anna Trombley, Sammy Boulier, Shaine Willette, Rebeckah Gallagher, Lisa Stithem and Betty Ireland. Back row: Mary Cornelio, Melissa Kane, MaKenzie Whitacker, Maryanne Lafland, Judy Morrill, Daisey Hatcher, Sara Raymond and Debbie Crandall.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes this week go out to Mandy Putnam, Linda Brennamen, Larry Sawyer, Devin Horr, Houston Putnam, Gabriel Player, Charlene Burby, Annette Pelletier, Dan Coulstring, Michelle Longley, Julie Powers, Renee Keep, Tamma Dumais, Tom Johnson, Adam Paterson, Chris York, Mary Michaud and Scott Estey.
Anniversaries
Happy anniversary this week to Brian and Renee Ellis and George and Lisa Dean on August 5.
Friday luncheon
The Mapleton United Methodist Church will be hosting its monthly Friday luncheon in the church fellowship hall Friday, Aug. 3 at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend!
Jennifer Buzza is the correspondent for Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. She can be reached at 760-9115 or by e-mail at jbuzza@ainop.com.
