New Gloucester capped off its 250th celebrations on Saturday with a parade, a community fair, and reflections and well wishes from near and far.
Zipping around the Fairgrounds by four-wheeler to take down the last festive banners late in the day, 250th Committee chair Linda Chase took a moment to reflect. “I want to thank the committee, the Town, the sponsors and the community for making this a successful day.” she said, adding, “No, for making this an awesome day.”
The culmination of a year’s worth of commemorative activities, the September 7 festivities began with a parade from the Lower Village to the Upper Village and Fairgrounds.
Community groups and residents participated in floats, on horseback, in antique cars and on foot in what longtime residents said was the largest parade in memory. The parade concluded with a lap around the Fairgrounds track.
Up front, 250th Committee members Tom Blake and Steve Libby, attired in Colonial garb, drew lighthearted remarks from onlookers. “Wow, 250…. You’re really old!” one resident called out. “You don’t look a day over 248!” said another. Senator Susan Collins walked the entire route, greeting residents who in turn thanked her for joining the celebration.
Vendors, food trucks, community groups, live music and activities filled the Fairgrounds. 250th Committee member and lead fair organizer Peter Bragdon estimated the crowd at 2,100, based on the clicker count and plethora of vendors and groups. New Gloucester Fire Rescue and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office were on hand, just in case.
Befitting the occasion, an array of speakers put the day in perspective. Tom Blake, Steve Libby and Beverly Cadigan of the Historical Society touched on milestones leading to the Town’s formal incorporation in 1774 and anniversaries and special occasions since then.
In his remarks, New Gloucester native Matt Sturgis, town manager in Cumberland whose great-grandfather spoke at the 1924 celebration, looked forward to what New Gloucester will become in the years ahead. Brother Arnold Hadd spoke on behalf of the Sabbathday Lake Shakers, a singular and essential presence in the community since the 1780’s.
Greg Verga, Mayor of Gloucester, Massachusetts, completed the historical arc. Gloucester was home to New Gloucester’s original incorporators who came north to settle. Verga spoke of Gloucester’s own celebration, in 2023, called “Gloucester 400+,” with the plus sign an acknowledgment of the presence and cultures of indigenous peoples in the centuries preceding English settlers’ arrival in 1623 and the many immigrant groups and others that followed.
New Gloucester Town Manager Bill Kerbin added a welcome, State Representative Amy Arata offered remarks centering on community, and Maine Governor Janet Mills and members of Maine’s Congressional delegation sent their greetings. Volunteers from NGTV recorded it all on video for later broadcast – and for posterity.
But it was also a day of fun–a birthday party–especially for kids. Best friends Rowan and Corbyn offered their take to NGX. “I liked the crafts best,” said Corbyn. “I liked the animal show and the snake best,” said Rowan. The snake in question was a boa constrictor, the girls thought, saying it was “huge” even though it was “a baby.” The girls were planning to cap off the day with a sleepover.
Isaac, age 9, said his favorite part of the day was riding his bike in the parade with his grandfather, but he wished it wasn’t so long. After looking at all the crafts, he got a 3-D printed dragon. Isaac’s little sister, Olivia, liked the parade and the animals.
The alpacas were Wyatt’s favorite. That’s according to his mom, since Wyatt is too young to speak for himself but not too little to enjoy a fair. Zoey and Maddie also liked the animals best and showed off a crocheted elephant purchased as a memento. Hannah, age 2 and a half, perhaps signaled a lifetime ahead of bucking conventional opinion. Her favorite thing was the slide at the playground.
On this milestone day, the youngest residents of New Gloucester contributed particular vitality and enthusiasm, helping to make New Gloucester’s 250th not only a day of remembrance and celebration but also anticipation of what the future might hold.
