The 15th annual Rock Skipping Contest took on a new meaning on Sunday, June 23 because for the first time it was a benefit for Boothbay Region Health Center.

“In the past it has benefited the food pantry, but this year we moved on to the Health Center. We are excited to do that,” said John Webster who, with his wife Jean, began the competition. The couple owns Orne’s Candy Store in Boothbay Harbor.

“”We need a primary health center that is affordable,” said Webster.

“We are struggling to break even,” said center board member Patty Seybold.

Secondly, this year’s contest was dedicated to John’s brother, Arthur, a local musician who died in 2018.

Erik Webster recalled that the first contests were part of family summer clam bakes when he was child. It then evolved into a public event, said Webster.

The competition is junior to the Mackinac Island, Michigan competition on July 4.

“There it is professional,” said contest judge Don Hendrick.

The local recordholder had 31 skips, he said.

This year’s winners in the under 13 group were Robert O’Hara and Addy Cearbaugh. The adult division was won by Julie Degenhard with 14 skips and Michael van der Veen. Each got a pound of fudge and a decorated stone.

More photos are on the Windjammer Days photo albums.