The town of Boothbay’s three-day 250th birthday party Aug. 22-24 was well attended and the weather cooperated nicely.

There were only a few problems (the Passamaquoddy group didn’t show up Sunday afternoon and the fireworks display was delayed by 45 minutes because the barge had to be relocated because it was too close to shore according to the fire marshal) and the family event featured lots of food and music.

Dawn Gilbert, who chaired the event, said both the turnout for seafood and pig roast gatherings was “phenomenal” and that chef Ralph Smith and his crews did a marvelous job of pulling them off. 

“There were a lot of families in attendance, which was nice to see,” said Gilbert on Sunday afternoon. “We don’t know why the Passamaquoddy group didn’t show. We will perhaps invite them back sometime this fall or when there’s not a lot going on.”

Gilbert said the Fog Cutters and Rustic Overtones donated their time to play at the celebration.

“Young people and their children were out there in front of the gazebo dancing. That was nice to see,” said Gilbert.

The street parade on Saturday morning, featuring three bands, community group floats, antique cars, horses, and more lasted about 30 minutes and the prize winners were: first place ($300 prize), Boothbay Baptist Church; second place ($200), the First United Methodist Church of Boothbay Harbor; and third place ($100), Bet’s Fish Fry.

“We had some problems on where we were supposed to line up the parade, but it all worked out as Chief Dick Spofford suggested lining up on Adams Pond Road,” said Gilbert.

On Saturday, representatives from Sens. Angus King’s and Susan Collins’ offices participated.

“Michele from Sen. Collins’ office brought a nice letter from the senator and a gold-lined certificate congratulating the town on its 250th anniversary,” said Gilbert. “They were so impressed with the poster done by artist Carlton Plummer, each of them asked to have one for the senators’ offices. I’m going to ask Carlton to sign them before I present them.”

The concert at Ocean Point Marina by the Navy Band Northeast out of Newport, Rhode Island on Sunday night drew over 400 people and the marina and surrounds were packed by the time the fireworks display began at 8:45 p.m. 

“It was the first time these band members have played together,” said Gilbert. “They really enjoyed themselves.”

Band spokesman Vince Beard and his bandmates dedicated a concert-concluding medley of military anthems to “the late great Ron Appel,” husband of Boothbay Civic Association treasurer Estelle Appel.

“They didn’t have to do that but it was a nice touch,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert commended Ocean Point Marina owners Dan and Eileen Miller for donating the space for the concert and for the high school soccer team for providing food and cold drinks during the evening.

Gilbert found out during her work on the event that her great-great-(great?)-grandfather, who’s last name was Reed, was born in Boothbay 250 years ago in 1764.

“I had never read Green’s history of the region before and found that fact,” said Gilbert. “I guess you could say he picked me to be a part of this celebration.”