The town of Frye Island will celebrate its tenth anniversary as an independent town with three days of activities July 4-6.
Through votes in the Maine Legislature and by island residents, Frye Island separated from the town of Standish in 1998.
The town operates a ferry to the mainland in Raymond during the summer, but once the lake freezes over there is no access to the island. All of the 2,000-3,000 residents live somewhere else during the winter months, some in Maine and others all over the country.
Nancy Perry, a Frye Island resident for 18 years, said they chose to separate from Standish because they were paying taxes but not receiving town services. Though island residents don’t have a single student in School Administrative District 6 schools, they still contribute to the school budget.
Perry said the island has a long history, starting with General Joseph Frye, who reportedly jumped off Frye’s Leap and crossed the frozen lake to Frye Island to escape Indians who were chasing him during the 1700s. The island has hosted a farm and a sailing camp before being developed for residences.
Now there are 500 houses on the island. During the winter the Board of Selectmen meet through conference calls and a caretaker checks on the cabins every month.
Though Perry said it’s not easy to live on the Island, she said it is possible to be pretty self-sufficient on Frye Island. “It’s a very complete community,” Perry said.
The anniversary celebration will kick off with a boat parade starting from Long Beach at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4. Activities will continue throughout Friday and start again Saturday morning with a parade and town ceremony. Also on Saturday will be a scavenger hunt and evening fireworks. Sunday will start with a road race at 10 a.m. and fill out with a family field day and beach parties.
Perry said she expects all residents to show up for the festivities.
10 years after – Frye Island celebrates
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