Monday, May 27th began with a parade organized by American Legion Post 103. The parade route was lined with residents and visitors as part of the Memorial Day festivities. In between the veterans, school bands, antique cars and fire trucks, The Neighborhood House mustered together a group of enthusiastic kiddos who helped hand out American flags and other patriotic items along the route. Many of the kids even took to their bikes and scooters to zoom along Main Street, eventually wrapping up at the harbor.

Several hundred spectators migrated to the harbor for a few readings and songs to commemorate Memorial Day. Thank you to all of the veterans and others who help put this ceremony together each and every year.

As the Memorial Day ceremonies concluded, a gaggle of volunteers helped to fire up the grills and serve lunch to nearly 300 community members. The cloudy skies and cool breeze might not have been ideal, but that didn’t stop the sense of community spirit on display. While we love red hot dogs as much as the next person, our real favorite aspect of the “Community Cookout” is that it gives our entire community a chance to gather and enjoy one and others company at the start of the summer season. That was the case once again, and we’d like to thank all of those who attended along with the volunteers who helped keep the lines moving. Special thanks are also in order for our generous cookout sponsors, Main Street Variety, Northeast Plumbing & Heating, S.R. Tracy Paint Shop, Thomas W. Wallace Construction and WMH Architects.

There are plenty of other gatherings and celebrations planned for summer 2024, but the cookout was certainly a great way to start.