Wow, what a weekend. Before we reminisce about the past though, let's look ahead as preparations are under way for Waterfront Festival 2018 this Saturday. Activities get under way at 1 p.m. Just a word of advice, don’t be late or you will miss the always eventful blindfolded rowing. Prime seats are now available for all events online and at the post office. There will be plenty of games and activities for people of all ages, as well as hot dogs and the Ice Cream Social as events are unfolding and the Ruler of the Sea buoy is being awarded. Contestants are coming from far and wide trying to wrest the championship from Brian McNamara. There is talk that Beach to Beacon winner Mary Keitany will be stopping by to truly test her fitness level. Rebecca Stover is again putting all types of things together for the kids. It will be a fun time for all. The official schedule and sign-up sheets are at the post office.

Speaking of fun, let’s get back to this past weekend. Festivities began Friday night with a good old-fashioned cocktail party at Lawn Cottage. Despite yours truly not being able to attend (or perhaps because of?), everyone had a wonderful time. Even Greg Merrill Sr. made his way up from Florida for the first time in years to enjoy all that was happening. This event was just a precursor to Saturday night’s “wedding” of Hannah Merrill and her husband. More on that in a bit.

First, we have to mention the morning’s proceedings. The 107th consecutive meeting of the Bayville Village Corporation got underway at 9 a.m. as Greg Merrill smashed his mighty gavel to the podium. Actually, it may have been the smallest gavel ever used for official business anywhere and there is actually some concern that the gavel may not have met state standards. Linda Yarmosh is now working with other attorneys to see if another meeting will be required.

Once the crowd was under control, we began with a moment of silence to again remember those who couldn't join us. Then Officer Larry Brown from the Boothbay Harbor Police Department gave an excellent presentation on the emergency response signs that will better allow first responders to find your place as quickly as possible. Not only will this sign help protect your family, but the $20 fee helps support the Boothbay Harbor Community Center. If you haven’t already done so, get your blue sign before there is an occasion to need one – which will hopefully be never – but as we all know, better safe than sorry.

Even though Officer Brown made the wise decision not to stick around for the meeting, his mere appearance obviously had an impact on Phil Roberts as his usual ribbing of moderator and Brother Al was noticeably absent. Thankfully, Al's wife Becky was unfazed and was there to pick up the slack.

The rest of the meeting was pretty uneventful (there may be some repairs needed to the dock, the motion to rename our village Merrillville was defeated) and our existing slate of officers was reelected with a resounding unanimous vote. Thank you again to our Overseers; Jim Coleman, Andrea Nielsen, Joe Rosenbloom as well as chair, Greg Merrill Jr. Thanks also to the help of Don Rose, Chuck Wolfram and SGD (Sewer Guy Dave for those new to the column).

Operation Tables and Chairs went off without a hitch, even though plans were completely changed because of threatening weather. Though the Merrills had a wedding that night, Greg and Dave both showed up in their black tie to help out. Chris Nielsen and Mark Spencer did the same. They were even there the next morning (still in black tie) despite having partied through the night. Even though the Merrills would be away, their porch was Lobster Bake Central, along with the Wolframs and the Robertses. Thank you to all who helped host the ravenous crowd. Unfortunately the Wolfram Beer Garden was not allowed a zoning variance and had to be dismantled after only one night, but it was fun while it lasted!. Thanks again to everyone for making it such a success. I have to also give special recognition to Dennis Rice for coming out of retirement to lend his crew and expertise and to Bill LaPointe for putting it all together. I’m sure Betty was smiling as she looked down!

Details of the wedding are sketchy (what happens in Boothbay stays in Boothbay), but this much I know (I think). Hannah is already married, the groom is from the U.K and they had tied the knot there. This was just a giant ruse to have a big party in Maine and it worked! There were even a lot of visitors from across The Pond. I think the Merrills were entertaining about 70 altogether. Congrats again Hannah!

Congratulations also to Bill and Sue Wood who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary later this month and everyone is invited. Details are available at – where else? – the post office. Hope to see everyone this Saturday for Waterfront Festival 2018!