Planners of Whitefield’s 2009 Bicentennial voted to include fireworks in the festivities next summer.
Steve Marson, of Central Maine Pyrotechnics in Hallowell, described the process for a site inspection and filing a permit with the State Fire Marshal’s Office specifying the size shell to be used in the display. Including liability insurance, fees for the inspection and technicians, and materials cost, the price is $5000 for at least a 20-minute show of what Marson called “a wall of fireworks” going off continuously.
Several committee members commented on the excellent quality of displays by the company, which has illuminated fairs, festivals, and Fourth of Julys in Boothbay Harbor, Windsor, Freeport, Augusta, Wiscasset, and Damariscotta and many other places.
Marson said, “This is a memorable event you’re putting on,” and he is responsible for making sure the spectacle leaves people with feelings of enjoyment and satisfaction.
Marson described the conditions for setting off the fireworks, which the Bicentennial Committee envisions taking place behind the school, with permission of the school board. The company does all the cleanup. No plastics are involved, only paper, Marson said, and each shell is made manually.
He traveled to China this past year and bought fireworks directly from the manufacturer, eliminating the middleman. “Our displays have been unbelievable since I got my own product. I minimize my expense,” Marson said, adding that he has 32 licensed technicians who have to have background checks and be licensed by both the state and federal governments.
Committee chairman Tim Chase proposed finding sponsors to make donations for half the cost and using voter-approved funds available for the town’s bicentennial to pay for the other half of the display. Secretary Jeanne Shaw suggested placing collection cans in local stores. Ron Kenoyer recommended asking gravel pit owners to contribute.
Chase reported that Sen. Susan Collins has indicated her interest in speaking at the kickoff dinner June 19. Chase extended the invitation several months ago.
Sue McKeen said Whitefield Days, to take place Aug. 7-9, will begin with a supper at the school, followed by speaker Alan Taylor, author of “Liberty Men and Great Proprietors: The Revolutionary Settlement on the Maine Frontier, 1760-1820.” Taylor is assistant professor of history at Boston University and his book encompasses the period Whitefield was being settled and incorporated.
Committee member Bill McKeen is organizing a post-supper historical re-enactment of “White Indians,” the other name for the Liberty Men who, disguised as Native Americans, resisted land speculators claiming title to vast acreages of the District of Maine. McKeen said the re-enactment will include the burning of an outhouse, which is needed, along with tree props, hay bales, a surveyor re-enactor, a dozen Liberty Men, a horse and carriage with driver, and sound system with microphone.
Sue McKeen said she is arranging to rent a tent, and has lined up several musical performances, including a concert by the Bath Municipal Band and music by Josh Robbins and his band. Calvary Bible Baptist Church will provide a barbecue. There are plans for children’s games, an art exhibit and photography show in the school, food vendors, and a showcase of local crafts and products.
Ron Kenoyer discussed the 5K Grand Army Hill Road Race, to include cash prizes for the first-place male and female runners ($100 each) and second place ($50 each). There will be gift certificates for winners in seven age groups. Registration and T-shirt fees will help fund the event, and there will be prizes for all children who join the fun run.
Mike Shaw, in charge of souvenirs, quoted prices for tote bags, aprons, hats and T-shirts bearing the bicentennial logo. The group agreed to purchase various quantities of each.
There was discussion of contacting other volunteers who earlier expressed a willingness to organize or help conduct celebration activities.
The committee invites all Whitefield residents who have an interest to attend the regular meetings, the third Wednesday of each month, starting at 7 p.m. in the townhouse.
