The rain moved out just in time to give Waterfront Festival 2017 the type of weather it deserved. The athletes were committed either way, but the crowd was as a different story. The good news regarding the overnight rain is that it kept people from sleeping at the town dock and claiming the best seats. Speaking of seats, next year’s organizers have promised there will be at least another row or two of bleachers. The proceeds from this year will easily cover any cost that is incurred.

The starting time of 1 p.m. came and went, yet the opening ceremonies still hadn't begun. The crowd was getting restless as audio professionals radioed each other, trying to determine the problem. Once the theme to Rocky blared across the village, the crowd and the competitors were ready to go. Florian flew in from Germany for the event and after witnessing the proceedings has decided to stay for his junior year of high school where he will be tutored in the ways of the America by classmate Brian McNamara.

There were several humorous performances, but in appreciation of people putting everything on the line, names have been sealed and will not be revealed. The first laughs were heard in the opening event of blindfolded rowing when Craig and eventual champion Emma Collins won and then lapped the field. One team was last seen rowing off to East Boothbay while another was grounded on the shores of Blackstone Island until the incoming tide freed them.

Everyone submitted some great performances. The young kids were the real stars and Andrew, Avery, Caroline, Ellie, Josie and Parker (among others) were fantastic. Parker stole the show with some blazing speed in the 100. Kit Stover wowed everyone with her musical chair prowess. Of course, the biggest congratulation has to go to Emma Collins for her crowning as the 2017 Ruler of the Sea with her overall score. Great job Emma! Her family is now busy deciding where the beautiful Barbara Spencer designed trophy will best be displayed in their house. Emma will be busy in the next few days as she enjoys the notoriety of her win and hits the TV circuit this week. I believe Late Night with Jimmy Fallon is scheduled for Tuesday. Charlotte and Ellie did a great job in their events and in helping their Mom Rebecca.

Mix Master Mark had the musical chairs contestants shuffling for position while spectators were on the edge of their seats wondering when the music would stop. The kids strutted to Gangham Style where Parker ruled the roost. The older players were fired up and hoping for a Green Day type beat, but instead got the Fifth Dimension. Mark is already updating his playlist and was heard to warn some they should be careful what they wish for.

As always, the water balloon toss was impressive. Brain McNamara and JJ Allison won but there were protests their balloon was not large enough. As a result, players will not be allowed to bring their own balloon for future events. There was some question as to whether there was actually any water present, but somehow the evidence disappeared before any samples could be gathered.

The only other controversy of the day was in the rock-skipping event when different judges had different counts. Next year, super slow motion cameras will be installed to avoid further issues and all judges are required to submit eye test results.

The triathlon featured thrill and spills (but no chills as the water was very warm) and one contestant tried to show off with a barrel roll, but instead ended up with a swamped kayak. From my distant vantage spot in the back Emma Collins bested Matt for first.

Of course there was also the village wide tug-of –war which saw one rope break, then Team One get the best of Team Two.

As Emma received her (at least for this year) Ruler of the Sea award, competitors and spectators were treated to well-deserved hot dogs and ice cream. Thanks to Mark Spencer (and his new grill) for the great dogs and to Jill Albaum for organizing the ice cream social and to Ginger Robitaille and Connie for all their hard work helping set-up and scooping bowl after bowl. Thanks also to Ellie and Caroline for helping Mom Rebecca set-up too. Thanks to everyone who participated and spectated. Start getting ready for July 28th next year.

If there are any errors or omissions regarding the Festival and the participants, please accept my apologies and send me corrections. My recollection of events became a bit fuzzy after my injury during the water balloon toss.

JJ was able to spend an entire week in town and had fun having some alone time with Bill “Gramps” Allison and Cec.

A couple of things to add from last week …  JJ and I set a goal of catching a striper this summer. We have done that quite a bit but it took JJ's cousin William to visit from Denver to show us how to land the big one…

Rachel Roberts brought her yacht into port last week for a nice visit with mom and dad. She and her crew enjoyed The Lobster Bake well into the night. As always Rachel's dad was instrumental in all facets of preparation and clean-up for the big event.

Brian McNamara enjoyed a week of sailing at the yacht club and was nice enough to stick around to help set-up for the bake even though he wasn’t able to stay for any of the food that night.

If you want to read anything in this column over the next couple of weeks, you will have to send news to thejeffallison@gmail.com.