The Blueberry Festival “2014″ was a great success this year. This can only happen with the help of Fire Department, Highway Department, Rec Department, the town office staff, Wilton Police Department, Jay Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff Department, medics, civic groups, partners, businesses, newspapers, crafters, vendors, churches, Mt. Blue Regional School District, Western ME Expo, volunteers, and last of all Mother Nature (LOL). Special thanks to all above and those of you who just step in to help where needed.
We would like to thank Kora Temple units for coming to entertain the public. They will be back in 2015. Congratulation to (FOWL) Friends of Wilson Lake for celebrating 25 years and giving over 300 for boat rides, The Fire department for the children fire truck rides, the Race Directors for doing the fun race, 5K, 10K, 5K walk & 10K walk, staff and The Farmington Emblem Clue # 460 and other Emblem Clubs for all their help with events. Also thanks go out to everyone that donated items to the raffle, sold tickets, bought tickets. All the Entertainment, and everyone that was in the two wonderful parades, and the people make the festival a success.
We would like to thank Nancy Chase for working with the crafters and vendors. The Medical Inflatable’s and Team from Huston, Texas were a big hit. People came 72 towns, 17 states, and 3 Canadian Provinces to visit the Inflatable’s and many visitors stayed for the fireworks on Saturday night. The start went much faster because of the weather. The Pyro-tects need to test the fireworks because of the smoke and wind effect which is a safety issue to the spectators such as you. Then we were off and the best show ever. Special thanks for the early birds who helped cleaned up the town.
If anyone would like to donate for the 33rd year, Aug. 7 & 8, 2015 celebration it is never too early or late. The theme will be “Reading and Writing.” I am planning to bring authors to do signings both days. Please check the website out foe updates. Again I would like to thank everyone for their participation. No job goes unnoticed.
Shannon Smith
Executive Director of Blueberry Festival Corp.
Wilton
I just want everyone to know.. this is one amazing woman… the blueberry festival is such a great event and it is all becsuse of this woman’s amazing organization… just saying.. love you.. Shannon Smith…
Shannon, thanks so much for allowing our Farmington American Legion Post Color Guard to again join your super parade, gets better every year ! Your energy breathes such life into Wilton and brings great joy to so many. I and my fellow veterans had only one disappointment. I had the privilege of leading our color guard team, carrying the American Flag, as I also did at Farmington’s Memorial Day Parade, and more recently at the Phillips Old Home Day Parade. As we marched each parade route, we passed many hundreds of attendees, enjoying the celebration and entertainment. Sadly not one in a hundred citizens, old and young alike, displayed the proper respect of the American Flag as it passed them. Instead most lounged in chairs or sat in their cars or on the curb, laughing, talking on cell phones, smoking and/or drinking, ball caps on, seemingly oblivious to Old Glory passing by them. Many a parent missed a teaching moment where they could have shown the proper example for Flag etiquette. A few stood, some saluted, an occasional applause or “thanks for your service.” Folks, Stand at attention, cover your heart with your right hand, remove your cap and cover your heart. If in uniform, such as a veteran or Scout, stand and render a proper military salute! Not only do you show respect for the American way of life, but also for those men and women, past and present who wore the uniform to help keep us free. Our Post goes annually to area classrooms to teach flag etiquette, which young students quickly grasp. PLEASE a little respect for Old Glory and those who carry it and served under it!