WILTON – After thirty years of seeing blueberries in her sleep, volunteer organizer of the annual Blueberry Festival Shannon Smith will be stepping down from her position of Chairwoman.
“It’s been a great journey watching the festival grow into what it is today,” Smith said.
The Wilton native is accustomed to the long hours and endless need for volunteerism in her community. Smith not only works year-round to plan one of the area’s largest festivals, she is also involved with the Emblem Club, the Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Club, the Chamber of Commerce and she organizes nine blood drives every year, among many other things.
“I’ve had a great time, but thirty years is a long time. It’s just come time,” she said.
In her role as Chair, Smith has increased the footprint of the festival to include many events which include a large parade, fireman’s muster, entertainment, crafts and a variety of vendors. Every year ends with a firework show over Wilson Lake. For the last 27 years, Smith has requested a visit from the Budweiser Clydesdales without success; she’s hoping this will be her lucky year. Smith will complete this year’s festival and will finish in October.
The festival’s board of directors are considering several options: have a local volunteer assume the coordinator reins with the hopes of getting that person accustomed to the job this year, have a local service group take over coordination, or return the festival’s original style of being presented by the Wilton Congregational Church.
Any interested parties should contact Shannon Smith at (207) 778-4726 or scsmith.wbbf@gmail.com no later than Feb. 1, 2020.
Thank you for all you have done, Shannon Smith!
This has certainly been a signature event for our entire region for over a generation all right. She can be succeeded but it’s hard to see how she will be replaced but am hopeful that’s possible!
Gratitude goes out to Shannon as she embarks on new ventures.
Shannon, you have done an amazing job!
I am from Jay and would like to thank Shannon for all she has done for the festival. I especially enjoy the fireworks and entertainment. Hopefully, she will be able to pass on her wonderful knowledge and work ethic to the next person. Enjoy some relaxation Shannon.
Congratulations on your successful 30 years of service to our communities. We have benefited from your vision and dedication to celebrate pride in our corner of the world. Thank you and best wishes on your next adventures.
Shannon is the face of the Blueberry Festival. Thirty years has flown. Thank you Shannon.
Shannon, You are amazing and inspiring. Thank you for all you are and do. Yes, you deserve to determine when you want to move on. In deepest admiration! Peggy
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Thanks for the 30 years you have given to the Blueberry Festival for the Wilton Area. It has been good to have such a wonderful person as the lead person for this annual event. God Bless You as you enjoy your next adventure.
Bless you, Shannon, you have done a spectacular job, with enthusiasm, dedication & grace as the Director of the Blueberry Festival for umpteen years…..Many Thanks!
Wow. I’m loss for words, ,sad and with tears in my eyes , I really truly have had the joy of working with this fine wonderful lady over the 5 plus years, she always did this with grace, diginity and always a smile no matter what took place.. She always came thru for whatever the reason was when anyone said “go ask Shannon ” she always had an answer or she would find it… She certainly will be missed by many many people.. And she certainly did put her hometown of Wilton, Maine on the map for the 1st weekend in August… As known as the best parade this side of the Mississippi River… The best fireworks this side of New York City,..Shannon Smith I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make the WBBF the best event ever for the past 30 years.. I don’t know if there is everyone else that can do what you have done.. but time will tell… You certainly will missed but never ever forgotten….. 💟💟💟💟💟
Thank you Shannon for making happy memories and community pride. Outstanding accomplishments.
An amazing woman who is a model of service to her community . We are so very thankful to you for everything you do ! Enjoy more time for you
Good for you Shannon, you have worked hard for many years and the Blueberry Festival is one of the highlights. May you have a lot of fun with your extra time off.
Thank you Shannon for all of your work on the Blueberry Festival. We “Wiltonites” have been so blessed to have you for all of these years.
Congratulations on your retirement Shannon !!!
You will be missed by all people involved with the blueberry festival.
Thank you Shannon for all you do! You are an inspiration to many, including myself!
How can that be ?? Shannon doesn’t look old enough to have been an organizer of the annual Blueberry Festival for thirty years. I remember mentioning to her that her name had become a household name saying things like “Shannon needs this, Shannon is looking for that, Shannon might be bringing something that was very exciting to Wilton”. Well done my friend. We will miss your proficiency and great attitude. Thank you .
Thank you for all the years of running the Blueberry Festival, your dedication to Wilton and its people is amazing, were all grateful for the summer festival, thanks again
Thank you for all you have done for the area over the past 30 years! I have always admired your dedication and work ethic, and I know many others do as well!
Shannon
I have known you for more than 60 years, from your parents store on the Weld road as a young girl. I just want to say you have done well and gone far. You have been a positive influence to many people and I feel myself fortunate to have known you.
Thank you Shannon, for all that you do, and for being the kind and caring person that you are! Thank you for making the Blueberry Festival an opportunity for Wilton to feel good about itself, and be a destination – with something for everyone. Over the years that boost has sometimes been sorely needed, and other times icing on the cake. Enjoy your retirement from what must have been more than a full time job making those August days run like clockwork! Blessings to you!
Shannon, you are a remarkable woman, and my hero! Your heart is for us all! Thank you for being a splendid role model for those of us in smaller but equally sweet endeavors!
Fifty-some years ago, when I first came to this area as a teacher at Wilton Academy, I wanted to have a book festival, and needed some community help. “Ask Shannon Smith,” I was told. “Shannon will be just who you need!” And she was, and she has continued to be, over and over, for so many organizations and so many events!
Shannon, thank you for all you do, and all you have done, and despite retirement, all you are probably going to put a hand to in our future!
Thank you for promoting our town so well for so many years Shannon. You’ve gone above and beyond for everyone. It’s been a little over 55 years since I went to work for your Mom & Dad and became friends with you. And oh the places you’ve been~ Dr Seuss. It will be fun to see what you get your self into next. And you’ll make it work. Enjoy some down time my friend.