By Jude Genereaux
What better way to honor the past and celebrate the continuing energy of the little Town that COULD, than with the opening of a new Town Hall in January of their 150th year? In preparation for the summer celebration, and to commemorate the actual anniversary, residents have bannered the streets with flags calling attention to the genesis of their little town, established in 1869.
At the May 25th Jacksonport MaiFest parade, 4-H kids of the area squired an Anniversary float in honor of the shipping, logging, commercial fishing and farming that were once the lifelines of Jacksonport life.
The actual Anniversary celebration on August 10 will feature a set of “Community Day” activities at Lakeside Park, with live music as part of the summer afternoon. Old-time picnic games have been organized for kids and adults alike, and an ever-favorite fish boil will be bubbling on location, as well as the succulent scent of pork roast being prepared for a community dinner.
A surprise and added treat comes as every residence located within the town boundaries will have received two free tickets for dinner at this event, by way of being the Town’s property tax payers. The tickets can be used for either the pig roast or the fish boil, with additional tickets available for $5, and simpler fare for kids’ choices. The bands will continue through the social time, and after dark the evening will conclude in a dark sky filled with fireworks.
As residents join in planning ways to commemorate their traditions, members of Jacksonport’s highly active Historical Society are working hard to compile photos taken by resident Fred Erksin for public showing. Combined with the opportunity to tour the new Town building during the August event, complete with a shiny new red fire engine on display, the added opportunity to enjoy a video of Erskin’s collection of town photos promises to be a high point of the afternoon.