Community spirit combined with a love of Christmas combined to make this year’s Oquossoc Day on August 12th a gift to all in attendance.

The all-day event that included a doggie parade, arts and crafts, antique cars, a cornhole competition, an antique show and live music with the Tom Ball Band was attended by hundreds.

One look at the boat parade at Oquossoc Marina and one could see that this year’s theme of “Christmas in August” was embraced by significantly more folks than usual. I’m not sure if it was the fun theme or the word of mouth, but there were more than double the number of boats in the boat parade than there were in previous years.

While I did expect a lot of wonderfully decorated boats, I didn’t expect to see the Grinch pull up to a tree posted in the middle of the lake and slice it off with a chainsaw to the roar of laughter from the crowd.

The costumes and decorations on all the boats were truly outstanding.

Afterwards the fun continued with The Maine Attraction water ski group that continues to amaze the crowds with their talent, imagination, always in theme with Oquossoc Day and their infectious positive energy.

This year I couldn’t help but think yet again how lucky we are and how we really shouldn’t take these types of events for granted. Each town has its own way of celebrating, by I for one am happy I live in a town where these old-fashioned summer joys are all that is needed. No excess of plastic junk for sale, no big corporate sponsors trying to get me to sign up for a new credit card, but folks sitting with their family on the lawn, showing off their cute dogs in funny costumes and friends gathering to enjoy only some of what makes living here so incredibly special.

Thank you to the generous individuals, businesses, volunteer coordinators and participants for throwing a one-of-a-kind annual summer party.

From left Tom Flatley, Mary Ellen Grunther and Mary Frost

First place winnahs! From left to right Mark Morton, Mick Guyette, Eliza Morton, Lynn Guyette, Carl Symes and Lisa Symes

2nd Place winner-The Grinch after having sliced down the Christmas tree.

Mary Archer and Tucker MacFawn guiding the 2nd Place Grinch boat

Third place in the boat parade- Team Wargo!

First place boat winners were actually two boats filled with both Heat and Snow Misers!

All this rain caused some pretty high water levels at the docks but the kids sure had fun!

One of the youngest of The Maine Attraction group is already vying for his role on the team as driver. I think he’ll get the job.