Westbrook Together Days, a city tradition for nearly 30 years, has grown and expanded since it began in 1980, but one thing remains the same – it is still a way for the community to gather and enjoy sense of camaraderie in a growing city.
This year’s edition runs Friday and Saturday at Riverbank Park, and organizers have packed the schedule with events, including a pancake breakfast, a Jukado demonstration, an auction, a magician, kid’s karaoke, numerous musical performances including a swing band and children’s music, and of course, the parade.
Last year, heavy rain hit the area, and the parade was scuttled. This year, the weather forecast is somewhat more promising – cloudy with intermittent showers and temperatures in the 60s, according to Art Lester of the National Weather Service in Gray. No rain date is set for the parade, which will feature antique cars, police cars, fire trucks, the Southern Maine Tractor Club, the Maine National Guard, the Royal Guards marching group, as well as several businesses and floats.
Lisa Glidden said has planned the parade along with her sister-in-law, Lorraine Glidden. She is hoping the procession will go smoothly – and moisture-free.
“If it just showers, it will go on. Just come and have fun. Pray for no rain,” said Glidden.
The parade, led by retiring Chief of Police Paul McCarthy, starts at 10 a.m. Saturday from the intersection of Bridge and Lincoln streets. It then proceeds along Bridge Street, onto Main Street and continues on to Riverbank Park. Parade grand marshal is Ellie Saunders.
Darryl Wright, president of the Westbrook Chamber of Commerce and a Together Days committee member, recalled last year’s weather woes, with heavy rains he described as a “monsoon”.
“We had the auction. That was it,” said Wright.
But Wright is optimistic about this year’s festivities. He said that people can look forward to popular events of the past and a few new ones as well.
“Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band hasn’t been at the event for a couple of years. The Maine National Guard is bringing a rock wall for kids to climb, and we have a new set of amusements,” said Wright.
Westbrook residents can also look forward to a celebrity visit the Monday after Together Days. Eleanor Vallee, the wife of the late entertainer and Westbrook native Rudy Vallee, will make a late cameo at the Westbrook Historical Society at 3 p.m. on Monday June 4. The society, which houses a collection of Rudy Vallee memorabilia, will be open for Together Days on Saturday from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
After viewing the entertainer’s memorabilia, she will visit his grave at the St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery on Stroudwater Street.
Roger Knight pilots his Smiling Hill Farm parade float.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
