What fun the Fourth of July parade was with the community band playing expected music, children outfitted in appropriate red, white, and blue, Ham Meserve in his red convertible as grand marshal, and the Harris mobile pulling a wagon full of children complete with the Statue of Liberty (Emee Harris) in the back waving to the crowd.

The weather cooperated with sun and warmth. The breakfast drinks and goodies kept the crowd fueled for applause and conversation. Thanks to the Southport Island Association (SIA) and the Southport Memorial Library staff for their work in creating such a fun event to celebrate our national holiday.

I am sure most of you have heard by now of the lightning strike at Lynn Schafer’s house. Although driving by you do not see the damage, pictures of the upstairs ceiling through which the lightening bolt came provoke exclamations of surprise and relief that Lynn is okay and the house is still standing. Nature has a perverse way of surprising us both with the frightening and the beautiful.

Now that the Fourth is over, we settle in to the series of events summer brings.

In sailing news the Southport Yacht Club took the first three places in the ‘Round Southport’ sailboat race last Sunday, an annual competition between SYC and the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club. Sunny skies, some wind, and lots of skill meant the trophy, a trash can with a picture on the bottom, will reside at SYC this year. Look for a longer article elsewhere in this paper. A reminder that coming up this Thursday, July 11, Bill Messmer will lead a Walking Tour of Cozy Harbor during which he will share his research into the early harbor families and the maritime economy. Please call 633-1102 to register for this event as it is limited to 15 participants.

Later that day, beginning at 4 p.m. bring your family to the “Family Fun Day” at the island school sponsored by the Southport Island Association. A wide variety of creative activities include a cod fish relay, a pie eating contest, and cardboard boat races across the pond.

The next SIA event will be on Monday, July 22, at the Southport Town Hall when Ham Meserve will repeat his talk on ”Mom, Broadway, Hollywood and Maine.” Ham’s mother, Margaret Hamilton, although an accomplished actress in many roles, is best known as the “Wicked Witch of the West” in the movie, “The Wizard of Oz,” that was released 80 years ago, in 1939. In honor of this anniversary, Ham will talk about “The Wizard of Oz,” his mother,, her career and role as the Wicked Witch of the West, her love for Maine and the family’s history with the “Witch’s House” on Cape Island at the southern tip of Southport. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The Southport Town Hall is located at 361 Hendricks Hill Road, Southport. The program is free and open to all.

Back to our sequential calendar events. On Friday and Saturday,July 12-13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. you can experience the “Christmas-in-July” Craft Fair at the Southport Memorial Library. The fair will feature some new artists who have created all kinds of beautiful artwork and crafts, and dedicated cooks who have made delicious handmade chocolates and jams, some weavers and quilters who will present woven, quilted and hooked items, as well has some Christmas cards, just to name a few of the products available. A portion of the proceeds go to our library. So begin your Christmas shopping early and call 633-2741 if you want more information.

And remember, after Christmas shopping on Saturday, the Boothbay Region Democrats invite you to a picnic at Barrett Park on Lobster Cove in Linekin Bay from noon until 4 p.m. Grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and veggie burgers, and light beverages are provided, as well as side dishes and desserts contributed by members and friends. The “Grill & Chill Community Picnic” is free and open to the public; however, donations are gratefully accepted. For updates and more information contact Paula Arsenault at paulamragsdale@gmail.com or call 207-380-7554. Preregistration for the July 13 picnic is appreciated but not required.

Phone number corrections are necessary for the next eating and shopping opportunity at the Southport Methodist Church annual Country Fair, Wednesday, July 17 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. If you have items to donate the fair, you can call Deb Tukey 633-5144 or Karen Cronk at 633-6617. The luncheon served at the fair from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. is always popular. Most people chose the lobster roll, but also available are a chicken salad roll or a hot dog. Walk the ‘Cookie Walk’ for dessert and goodies to take home.

The House and Garden Tour is July 19 featuring three Southport houses. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce.

Southport artist Fran Scannell, has a painting chosen for exhibition at the Kefauver Gallery on Bristol Road in Damariscotta. If you are up that way you can enjoy Fran’s work, and also the work of the other talented artists in the show.

Another library activity will occur July 25 at 7 p.m., when best-selling author Douglas Preston will speak on his book, “The Lost City of the Monkey God.” This is a non-fiction book describing his trip in 2015 with a group of scientists to discover an ancient city in the Honduran Rain Forests. Douglas was enlisted to be the journalist for this expedition by National Geographic Magazine. A 40 minute video with Mr. Preston’s audio will be given. A book signing and question and answer will follow the presentation.

Whew! Plenty to do this month in addition to sailing, tennis, enjoying visiting family and house guests. Take a deep breath and muster on.