On August 17, there were two very successful fundraisers on Monhegan Island. One was for the Outer Islands Teaching and Learning Collaborative (TLC), an organization that aids the schools on the unabridged islands, and the other was for material for renovation of the grocery store L. Brackett and Son that was recently purchased by Monhegan Island Sustainable Community Association (MISCA).

The fundraising began at 1 p.m. with a circus at the Trailing Yew for the TLC. Community members dressed as circus performers and animals, dancing, juggling and performing numerous amusing entertainments. There was even a parade with homemade puppets. The organizers were Jenn Pye and Laura Ligori, who were inspired by the 1913 and 1938 community circuses on Monhegan that brought summer and winter community members together for simple fun.

The circus was a $2 entry fee and the food was $1 and $2 for cotton candy and corn dogs, and workshops were free. Despite the low cost of participation, the circus raised approximately $800 for the TLC. For more information go to www.monhegancircus.com/.

In the evening, a cardboard boat regatta took place starting on Swim Beach and finishing on Fish Beach. There were 20 boat entries, a nacho bar, and a keg of beer on the beach after the race. It was a big success with the weather being very cooperative and over 100 spectators cheering on the teams.

Team Helga, the Viking boat built by Ben Vis, Nick Cennamo and Drew Meislahn, took first place. Best Costume award went to Naomi Kordak, Ola Haman, and Jane Cullen for their Priscilla Queen of the Sea themed boat, and the Titanic award went to The Zombies, Kole Lord, Tara Hire and Andrea Hire. The regatta raised approximately $1,500 for renovation materials.

All and all it was a fun day on Monhegan with important causes receiving much needed funding.