To the Editor:
The critical upcoming presidential election will determine whether this democracy will be upheld or whether it will become a plutocracy, ruled by, and for the very wealthiest among us.
Despite the urgency of our plight as a nation, and the willingness of so many to be duped into voting against their own best interests, I am compelled to voice my concerns about the recent Pumpkinfest activities.
Great Salt Bay is a protected estuary of the Damariscotta River. For many years it was used as a sewer for thriving businesses on its shores. One need only to look at old photographs of Damariscotta Mills to realize the extent of damage being done to this incredible body of water.
We marvel at the ships that were built here, the extensive lumber mills that fueled the ship building industry and the waste from those mills dumped into the bay, as well as leather works and its dyes whose toxic residues were also poured into the bay.
That the bay itself was a toxic waste dump there is no doubt. Would anyone to this day drink its water or swim in its waters?
It has taken years and the loving concern of those who realized the uniqueness and beauty of Great Salt Bay to restore the bay to its natural beauty and health.
The shipbuilders live in memory; the lumber mills and leather mills are long gone, and caring people have worked beautifully to restore the ancient fish ladder in the Mills which attracts people from miles away, who come and witness the yearly spawning of the alewives. It is an awe inspiring sight for young and old alike.
Now we come to Pumpkinfest and the disrespect shown by its organizers for the beauty of Great Salt Bay. We now have massive catapults that come from out of state; operated by people who have no knowledge of the bay, its history and its uniqueness.
Two days are spent bombarding the bay with pumpkins in a juvenile show of violent “fun” with gawkers by the hundreds speeding down Belvedere Road as if it was the Jersey Pike to watch this assault on our beautiful bay. A local field was designated as parking space where many cars were mired in mud. I have a problem understanding the mentality of the organizers of this event and those who thrill at the spectacle.
What thought for a turkey toss? Perhaps a local turkey farmer could donate tons of frozen turkeys which could be catapulted into the Bay.
How about an After-Christmas toss when all the bags of holiday debris could also be catapulted into the Bay, and what of a human cannonball catapult? The possibilities are endless.
I am extremely disappointed with the Damariscotta River Association and its support of these activities. Anyone concerned about continuing environmental degradation should protest this mis-use of this unique body of water. May I suggest the next round of catapults be sited on Biscay Pond.
Perhaps then there would be more voices crying out for an end to this senseless activity instead of a lone voice crying out for Great Salt Bay.
Now back to the upcoming election.
Suzanne Hedrick, Nobleboro
