The 75th Olde Bristol Days was a tremendous success, according to event coordinator Sabrina Beach. 

“We are so excited to be celebrating the 75th year. Many people remember the event over the years, back when it was held at Fort William Henry, and told me how happy they are that it is carrying on,” Beach said.

The fate of Olde Bristol Days was uncertain at last year’s town meeting, when it was going to be discontinued. That is, until Beach stepped up from the floor to take charge of it. This is her second year of orchestrating the event. “It’s very family-friendly, in activities and price. It’s nice to take the family out and not have to dig into savings to pay for it. And who doesn’t love watching fireworks from the beach?”

Organizers are thankful for and credit the support of event sponsors and, of course, the Town of Bristol, for keeping the event free.

The weekend started Friday with a pirate-themed scavenger hunt and live music at the Pemaquid Beach Pavilion. Saturday kicked off with a parade in New Harbor, live music, a craft fair and children's activities at the beach ballfield. Historical exhibitions were showcased at Fort William Henry and the annual Car Show was held at Bristol Consolidated School. The day was capped with fireworks at the beach at dusk. On Sunday, all attention was on the Merritt Brackett Lobster Boat Races in Pemaquid Harbor.

The parade was well attended and, despite it being a drizzly morning, rain-free. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard led the parade, followed by bagpiper Jack Shattuck and Grand Marshals EMS Service Chief Jeraldine Pendleton and the Bristol Fire and Rescue crew.

“The first responders had a water fight with hose-wielding residents and kids armed with squirt guns. It was amazing! I had many people tell me it was the best parade they’ve had in years,” she said.

Parade winners were. in the Business category: First place, Harbor Ice Cream; second place, Seaside Princesses’ Memories That Sparkle; and third place, Ocean’s Edge, featuring Girl Scout Troop 1754. Parade winners in the Friends, Family and Community category were: First place, Kiddie Pool and Ducks by Michael and April Morrison; second place, Quilts of Valor by Deborah Brazil; and third place, Pemaquid Mermaids.