WASHBURN, Maine — Scores of visitors turned out to greet classmates, family and friends at this past weekend’s annual Washburn August Festival.
Saturday’s heat didn’t deter festival goers, who strolled around Story Park, enjoyed food and craft vendors, visited the Wilder Homestead and Aroostook Agricultural Museum and listened to live music.
WASHBURN, Maine — August 20, 2022 — Vendors and visitors fill Washburn’s Story Park on Saturday during the Washburn August Festival. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
The annual festival parade took place at 10 a.m.
Near the museum, Peter Wilcox and his grandson, Cameron Wilcox, of West Chapman demonstrated rope making using a machine patented in 1901. The wooden and metal structure once belonged to Peter Wilcox’s great-uncle, Henry Drost of Wade, a blind tradesman who traveled to farms with his equipment.
Musicians Hoss and Lurleen entertained from the museum balcony, while in the park numerous craft vendors welcomed onlookers. Near the fire station, a dunking booth brought smiles as people tried to send volunteers into the water.
WASHBURN, Maine — August 20, 2022 — With members of Caribou Fire and Ambulance as color guard, Larry Harrison (right) opens a dedication ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 20, for a new memorial brick walk at Washburn’s Veterans Park. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
A special dedication ceremony officially opened the Washburn Area Veterans Memorial’s newest addition, a walkway containing 151 bricks engraved with the names of those who served in the armed forces.
The Washburn Rotary Club spearheaded the project. Veteran Larry Harrison served as emcee, leading participants in the Pledge of Allegiance and special music as members of Boy Scout Troop 177 solemnly raised the flags of the Coast Guard, Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines.
The Veterans Memorial was created a few years ago as an Eagle Scout service project by Ryan Cole, Trevor Pendexter and Paul Tardie III. This year, fellow Eagle Scout candidate Derek Cruz undertook the purchase and installation of the five flagpoles to represent the service branches, Harrison said.
WASHBURN, Maine — August 20, 2022 — Members of Washburn Boy Scout Troop 177 prepare to raise the U.S. Air Force Flag during a ceremony Saturday at the Washburn August Festival. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
The names of all the service members honored on bricks were read aloud.
Alumni of Washburn District High School gathered Friday evening for a banquet.
The weekend included other events such as a deejay and karaoke, a Festival of Baskets sponsored by the Washburn Memorial Library, a family movie night, Saturday breakfast at the Trail Runners Clubhouse, bike rodeo for kids, a drive-thru supper hosted by the Washburn Methodist Church, more live music with dancing, and fireworks.
The festival closed out Sunday with the annual gospel music concert.
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — August 20, 2022 — Some of the 151 bricks, each engraved with service members’ names, that now adorn a walkway at the Washburn Area Veterans Memorial. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — August 20, 2022 — Bill Bisson of Washburn lofts a ball to try to unseat his son, William, in dunking booth fun during the Washburn August Festival on Saturday. (Paula Brewer | The Star-Herald)
