As my recovery continues, I think back to the simpler times when jungle gyms were made of metal with sharp rusty bolts, when playgrounds were built over asphalt and concrete. When the Bayville Waterfront Festival meant triathlons, blind folded rowing and archery. Events now deemed too dangerous by our legal department, so once again, musical chairs, water balloon toss and rock skipping will be featured events. At the end of the day there will be an awarding of the Ruler of the Sea, but not a Ruler of the Bay, as the wonderful camaraderie of a Bayville summer could be undone by the younger generations' competitive nature. Of course, the older folks have their moments. Remember Brian McNamara and Matt Frascella during musical chairs? No, the Buzz never forgets.

Events kick off on July 25 at 8 a.m. when the tennis/pickleball complex will be alive with oohs, ahhhs, laughs, and applause - as well as the smell of Tiger Balm and Voltaren - as numerous teams vie for the Golden Paddle. Nate and Julie Merrill are - yawn - your prohibitive favorites but there is no one to blame but ourselves as they have offered to split up their team numerous times. The safest bet is that no matter the incentives, Will Allison will not be playing. News flash, this could be the last year playing on said surface. Tune in on 8/1 to find out. At 11 a.m., thanks to Lauren Albaum, the latest iteration of the scavenger hunt gets underway; 1 p.m. the spotlight is on the Waterfront Festival. Of course, the hot dog crew will be on hand to make sure all those participating and cheering are well nourished. Sign up sheets are at the Post Office, so get your spots reserved now! Once the victors have been crowned and all the water balloon pieces have been picked up, stories of perseverance and survival will be shared over bowls of ice cream with all the fixings as things wrap up with the Ice Cream Social. I would say to keep your eyes on the sky as the Bat Light may signal a summons for a gathering at the Fire Pit.

The following Saturday, Aug. 1, there is no rest for the weary. At 9 a.m. the 116th BVC annual meeting gets underway. Don't miss the fun. Later that day, there is a celebration of the life of Barry (Baker to his grandkids) Gilchrist. It seems a very appropriate day as Barry was on the BVC for years and was quite instrumental in bringing the tennis court to fruition.

Then at 5, the Waterfront Park takes center stage as pre-gaming begins for the annual Lobster Bake. As always, there will be a selection of drinks vying for the title of Bayville Buzz. New to the line-up will be at least one non – alcoholic offering. I hear THC infused drinks are a possibility, too. At 6, hot dogs of the previous week are a distant memory as Roberts Restaurant opens its doors for the annual Lobster Bake. Much like the Carousel, this becomes dinner with a show, as emcees Al and Phil keep us all fed and laughing - while Karen and Becky make sure everything runs smoothly. As if you needed any more convincing, for $50 pp you will get two lobsters, mussels, clams and corn as well as the desserts, salads and apps that everyone brings to share. There are options for kids and land lubbers too - though you might need to do your own grilling. "If you plan on attending, please, please, please sign up ASAP." This is a Phil quote and plea, so please do as he asks. 

The following weekend (yes that's three in a row!) there is a new, exciting event to tell you about. At 8 a.m. on 8/8, people will gather at the Murray Hill Road Public Boat Launch for the inaugural Paddlepalooza. There are two courses, one that will go past the Bayville town dock, along the coast to LBR and back and the other around Perch Island. Registration is $40 and goes to help fund scholarships at the BSSC. They do great work educating kids about sailing, boating and ocean sciences, so have a fun paddle and support a great cause. If you don't feel like paddling, come down to the Community Dock and cheer on the participants as they go by. Paddlers should be passing Bayville at around 9:20. Go to boothbayseaandsciencecenter.org for more details and to register.

No, I'm not done. On 8/9 the annual Cabbage Island swim begins at 9 a.m. at Pam and Craig's dock. Now that is quite the doubleheader; paddle to Cabbage one day and then swim to it the next. Pam and Craig probably won't be there as Charlotte is due to deliver them their first grandchild on the 8th! You can register for that at pamandcraig@yahoo.com

Speaking of great work and a great cause, the Boothbay Region Historical Society fund-raising event is on Aug. 12. As Julie Merrill says,"I have posted a flyer at the Post Office about "Tea, Treats, and Tales", which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the BH Yacht Club. I will be speaking about the Boothbay Harbor Monday Club and am hoping some Bayvillians will come to support the Historical Society." Of course each of the last three events are open to anyone – whether in Bayville or not. Julie and Dave just returned from a great week of sailing the coast, but that news will have to wait. Send yours to thejeffallison@gmail.com