Wiscasset Wormfest committee members Lucy Oyster-Ackerman (center) and Sarah Whitfield sell T-shirts during the event on Saturday, June 8. (Piper Pavelich photo)
Despite bouts of rain threatening to ruin the day, Wiscasset Wormfest persisted and brought community members and visitors together during a day of celebration and camaraderie.
Residents of Wiscasset and visitors from near and far joined together to celebrate the town’s inaugural Wormfest on Saturday, June 8 on Railroad Avenue in Wiscasset.
The event, which ran from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., was lined with multiple tents, giving visitors an opportunity to chat and shop with local vendors such as Reggae Eats Food Truck, of Bristol; Fields Fields Blueberries, of Dresden; Maine Tasting Center, of Wiscasset; and The Magic of Conjuring Carroll, of Embden.
Deemed the “worm capital of the world” by National Geographic nearly 20 years ago, Wiscasset has a rich history of worm digging that dates back many generations. Wiscasset Wormfest offered residents and visitors a chance to recognize the town’s heritage.
“We thought it would be very unique and would celebrate a part of both our history and current industry that really doesn’t get a lot of attention and appreciation,” said Wiscasset Wormfest Committee member Sarah Whitfield.
The day’s festivities began with a performance of the national anthem by the Wiscasset Middle High School band. Immediately following the band’s performance was a relay race, with participants wearing waders while they ran.
The winner of the relay was the Flores-Lichtinger family, of Wiscasset. The family took home a small trophy and candy as their prize.
The day also included free carnival games, which were handmade by community members, according to Whitfield, as well as adult and children mud pie eating contests beginning at 3 p.m. Pies were made by Jodie’s Cafe and Bakery, of Wiscasset.
A historical exhibit about the worm-digging industry, including displays of the tools used, was available to visitors throughout the day.
Attendees were able to enjoy free concerts, with bands Deadly Desire playing from noon to 2 p.m. and Something Stupid from 5-8 p.m.
Committee members said they were proud to see their community come together to make this event possible.
“I’m just blown away. There are so many thanks to give, but, for now, thank you to the community as a whole who came out for a day of fun with us. There was so much joy, smiles, laughter, and hugs, and that was exactly what we had hoped it would be,” said Whitfield.
Committee members said they aimed for the event to be low or no cost to attendees. One way they achieved this goal was by offering free meals to children 18 and younger at the event, while supplies lasted.
Any funds leftover from the event will be put toward a scholarship, which will be awarded to a graduating Wiscasset Middle High School senior. The scholarship will debut next year, said Whitfield, and will be given to students with the most community service hours. The scholarship is not contingent on going to a post-secondary school.
The committee plans to hold the event again next year.
For more information, go to wiscassetwormfest.com.
