To the Editor:

On Saturday, July 15, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as Bethel’s Summerfest kicked off. The day started with a spectacular parade, and happy children filled the streets. On the common, the tantalizing aroma of fried dough, baked potatoes, and sausage enveloped everyone.

Across the lawn at the Moses Mason House, children jumped and played in the bounce house. The Wildlife Encounters show was fantastic, and Steve Moore entertained the crowd all afternoon – not even rain could deter him.

The day concluded at 9 p.m. with a breathtaking fireworks display, even amidst a heavy rain shower. We, at the Bethel Area Chamber, extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this day possible. 

Our gratitude goes out to the following volunteers, who truly deserve our eternal appreciation: Luke Angevine, Gabe Pasternak, Rose Lincoln, Rosemary Laban, Cayley Marriott, Emma Davis, Colby Marriott, Jay Keil, Gabe Perkins, Deb Giasson, Jim Grayley, Joann Bisson, Suzanne Marshall, Sonja Benson, Chris Wright, Lee Smith, Craig Smith, Christian Brown, Dharma Brown, Erik Rider, and Cameron Rothwell.

We are also thankful to those volunteers who brought along friends – while we may not have caught their names, their support was invaluable! 

Congratulations are in order for the parade winners: Sunday River Brewing Company, River Lanes, & Countryside Landscaping – your participation added to the event’s charm. 

We extend our appreciation to the sponsors that made all of this possible: Town of Bethel, Town of Newry, Renewal by Andersen, Oxford Federal Credit Union, Northeast Bank, Bennett Automotive & Power Equipment, Oxford Casino, Franklin Savings Bank, WOXO, Casella, and Central Maine Pyrotechnics. Many other organizations chipped in to add fun to the event around the common as well as the parade:

Bethel Historical Society, BAAM, River Lanes, Rusty Lantern Markets, Bethel Fire, Newry Fire, Greenwood Fire, Gilead Fire, Bethel Rescue, Greenwood Public Works, Bethel Public Works, Western Maine Yurts, Bethel Wastewater Dept, CM Earthworks, Sunday River Brewing Company, ME Jeep Freaks, MESys, The Bethel Citizen, & Neil Olsen Tents. If we inadvertently missed someone, please know that your support is deeply appreciated. 

It was heartening to witness our community come together, with businesses and individuals working hand in hand, to keep this Bethel area tradition alive. Once again, thank you for making it all possible! 

John F. Walker

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce 

Bethel