“Summer is an interesting time in Maine,” Rev. Jeffery Logan, executive director and a co-pastor at Grace-Street Ministry, told a small crowd gathered in Portland’s Old Port [last week].

“Because the rest of the year is such a meteorological maelstrom, the summer often feels like time out of time. A period during which we can forget pretty much everything except barbecues, beach days, and time off from whatever job it is we do.”

Logan, who goes by Pastor Jeff, and others were gathered for the Longest Day of Homelessness sit-out, an annual event organized by Homeless Voices for Justice, to remind the public of the “tragedy and injustice of homelessness,” even in the summer months. 

Pastor Jeff shared how donations, which often take the form of Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards, fall off in the summer months. “The unhoused don’t get a summer vacation,” he said.

“Yes, people living outside do not currently have to worry about freezing to death or about losing fingers and toes, and that is a blessing,” he said. “But when it’s 90 degrees one day and 60 degrees and raining the next, it’s still a challenge and physical danger to be outside.”

The sit-out, which was planned to coincide with one of the longest days of the year, was held on a toasty, humid afternoon, and was preceded by a series of record-hot days across Maine. 

Some of the speakers, who were formerly or currently unhoused, talked about friends who froze to death. Pastor Jeff and others described the challenge of protecting one’s belongings from the elements—or from a front loader commissioned by the city of Portland.

Many of those who passed by the event were likely tourists, or taking the day off. 

The reality of living in Vacationland, for many Mainers, is working while others are not. In fact, many in service and related industries make the bulk of their income during these months. And when they get a day off, even if it’s rare, they want to check out, unplug, hit the beach or the lake.

Listening to Pastor Jeff made me wonder what else are people on vacation — or seeking a vacation — from? 

More and more I hear that people are tired — of bad news, of economic woes, of politics — and want a break. And who can blame them? It’s been a long few years. 

In addition to the urgent needs of people who are unhoused, there are other encroaching threats: the changing climate, the loss of bodily autonomy, the erosion of democracy, etc. It’s an overwhelming list and I fear that many with the privilege to ignore the maelstrom and retreat to a climate-controlled cocoon may never come back out.

But, as Pastor Jeff noted, not everyone has the luxury of being able to unsubscribe from it all. Our work is not done, he said. Our work cannot take the summer off. 

Whether feeding people who don’t have homes, or providing for the elderly or sick, there are many care workers and service providers who continue to carry the weight of humanity, regardless of the day or season.

The silver lining is that, while we can’t disconnect from the challenges that surround us, being part of something bigger than oneself, helping someone in need, and building community can be deeply rejuvenating, too. 

Ending with a quote from Frederick Douglass, Pastor Jeff said, “I prayed for 20 years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.”

“So let’s keep on walking,” he added. “We’ve got miles to go before we sleep.”

CLINTON — Children scooped up candy, fire trucks blared their sirens and horses decked out in red, white and blue trotted down the road.

It was the Fourth of July in Clinton, Maine.

Touted as the largest Independence Day event in the region, the Central Maine 4th of July celebration returned Wednesday and Thursday to the Kennebec County town, drawing thousands of families and revelers to many events.

“It’s about bringing the community together and supporting the men and women who have given us our freedoms, to be able to call ourselves Americans and be able to celebrate this nation’s birthday,” Kevin Douglass, chairman of the group that organizes the annual festival, said. “I’ll tell you what: The community definitely comes together here.”

The celebration, which began in 1990, was expected to draw more than 25,000 people over the two days, according to Douglass, a Fairfield resident.

Thursday morning was highlighted by a parade that organizers said featured 72 vehicles and 268 people. After the parade, Douglass said it was the biggest he had seen in recent years.

Beginning at 10 a.m. outside the Tradewinds Market Plus at 153 Hinckley Road, the route took the line of cars, trucks and floats into the center of town and onto Main Street, then to the Clinton Fairgrounds. The procession lasted about an hour and 15 minutes.

Participants included local churches, businesses and other organizations, along with police officers and elected officials. The motorcade included deafening sirens and horns from fire trucks from Clinton, Winslow, Pittsfield, Burnham, Fairfield, Benton and Albion.

Michaela Rizza, 28, of Clinton took in the parade from the corner of Main and Railroad streets, along with her 7-year-old son, Gunnar Graves, and baby, Violet Leclair.

Kristin Downer tells Sasha Gooldrup, who is atop an ambulance, where to place decorations for the Central Maine 4th of July parade in Clinton. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

“They throw a lot of candy,” Rizza, who planned to spend the rest of the day with her family, said. “That’s why we come to the parade.”

Lisa Covey of Winslow and Jeanine Deas of Waterville walked the parade route in the center of town and offered free books to children. Covey, who Deas called the “Winslow book lady,” said the two handed out about 200 books Thursday morning.

“It’s a feel-good, fun thing to do,” Deas, who is a children’s book author, said.

Maeve Brown, 4, of Winslow points to a parade float Thursday during the Central Maine 4th of July parade in Clinton. Organizers say the parade included 72 vehicles. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

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The parade wrapped up at the Clinton Fairgrounds at 1450 Bangor Road, where food vendors, carnival games and other activities were set up for the afternoon.

On Wednesday night, the fairgrounds also hosted country music singer Darryl Worley.

Worley’s tour bus had mechanical problems on the way to Clinton, which delayed his concert by about two hours, Douglass said. The show began at about 10:15 p.m.

“There was people that stuck in there,” Douglass said. “They got one heck of a show.”

A fireworks display — reportedly the largest in central Maine, based on the number of shells launched, Douglass said — was scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Thursday. As of Thursday afternoon, the weather forecast called for partly cloudy skies, with no rain expected.

Douglass, the event’s chairman, said the annual celebration is possible due to the efforts and collaboration of many people.

“The town is phenomenal; the businesses are phenomenal,” he said. “Everybody comes right together to make sure that it comes together, and it’s just amazing to see. It is all part of the Fourth to be united.”

Max, an 8-year old golden retriever, looks out from a vehicle Thursday during the Central Maine 4th of July parade in Clinton. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

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AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) – Maine’s capital city hosted its annual July 4th celebration starting with a parade through the city. Thousands of people lined the route.

Beginning at the State House, the parade made its way through the streets, ending at Old Fort Western. The parade featured superheroes, go-karts, and dance routines.

For some, the yearly celebration has been a tradition for as long as they can remember.

“I’ve been coming since, gosh, I think I was two years old with my grandparents and my nana and papa, and every year, it’s just a little more exciting, and I get to see a lot of my friends who get to participate, and it’s nice to be able to celebrate all together and be able to see them,” said paradegoer Lisa Bittus.

After crossing the Calumet Bridge, those in the parade and all of the viewers got to take in some American and Maine history before Augusta Mayor Mark O’Brien, decked out in colonial clothing, read the Declaration of Independence.

“I really enjoy just going back into history and just refreshing what the importance of Independence Day, especially in Augusta, is all about, and then a lot of the local organizations that come out to Augusta for the Mill Park events are close and near and dear to my heart,” said Bittus.

There was plenty of fun to be had for the folks in the parade as well.

Chase Rucker played in the parade band with his Grandfather Dan Cote. Rucker also volunteers at the fort, which he finds to be a special spot.

“People here are wonderful, and they always get a really good job done,” stated Rucker.

“There’s no doubt about that. We started at about eight o’clock. We were here about that time, and we just kind of hung out, waited for the ride to get to the State House, and watched everybody do their thing. It was a great time,” added Cote.

Thousands of people and dozens of organizations represented throughout the parade all came together to celebrate the 4th of July.

“The city together is a big community, and they all come together to support each other and just remember our freedom and why we’re here. Without Independence Day, we wouldn’t be standing here,” concluded Bittus.

After the parade, Mill Park in Augusta hosted food trucks, live music, and activities. A fireworks display is set for 9 this evening.

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