As another summer season approaches, the Windjammer Days Street Parade Committee is working full tilt to bring the region’s residents and visitors another wonderful event to celebrate the region’s maritime history and the local community.

“It was a tough decision to make, but in the end, we asked Arthur (Webster) to be the Grand Marshal because of his dedication to the community,” said Heather O’Brien, Street Parade Committee member. “As a local businessman, Arthur was the perfect choice, and we are excited for him to lead the celebration.”

Webster owns Orne’s Candy Store alongside his brother John and sister-in-law Jean. This year, Orne’s will be celebrating its 130th year in business.

Twelve years ago, through the store, Arthur Webster started an annual rock-skipping contest to raise money for the community. Last year’s proceeds went to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.

"We like the Grand Marshal to have strong local ties, like Arthur, who’s a Boothbay Harbor native,” O'Brien said. “It’s a chance to acknowledge our local heroes and raise their accomplishments up to the community.”

In addition to owning Orne’s, Webster is an avid musician with the Holy Mackerels band. He can be seen playing solo and with other local bands/musicians around town on a regular basis.

Parade committee members Stephanie Hawke, Michelle Davis and O’Brien are working with local businesses, community groups, Kora groups and the Sailing Masters of 1812 to present another great line up for 2015 Windjammer Parade.

The committee decided to continue with the theme “Our Community.” There was such an overwhelming response, reflected in a larger number of participants last year, the thinking was, why fix something that isn’t broke?

Everyone is invited to participate, to showcase what makes this community so special to them, to local residents and visitors from afar, in so very many ways. Participating in the parade is a great way to market your business, event, and/or your musical talents, committee members said. Community participation is what makes this event so successful year after year!

The parade is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. (time changed last year), leaving from the Boothbay Region High School and ending at the Tugboat Inn.

New this year: float judging will no longer be happening during line up at the schools, but at a location along the parade route to be announced at a later date. Prizes for first, second and third places will be announced after the parade at the Whale Park on Commercial Street in Boothbay Harbor.

The phone is already ringing off the hook this spring with new participants and many good old favorites are returning. If you're interested in participating, visit the official Windjammer Days Festival website www.windjammerdays.org and download a registration form.

Parade registration forms are also available at Hawke Motors (Townsend Avenue/Route 27) and the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce (192 Townsend Ave., right across the street from Hawke's), both in Boothbay Harbor.