WINSLOW — Despite problems in late May attracting volunteers and raising funds, the work for the Winslow Family 4th of July Celebration is back on track — for the most part.

As many as 60 volunteers had signed up as of Friday, a standard total for this time of year, according to Kevin Douglas, chairman of the 23rd annual event. In addition, about $20,000 had been collected in donations for the $100,000 event.

Douglas said the group has struggled with fundraising, even though the effort happens year-round.

“I think a lot of people don’t realize that taxpayers’ dollars don’t run this event,” Douglas said. “It’s supported by businesses and local volunteers.”

Douglas said one change this year is the addition of a children’s day on July 2, featuring an array of emergency and construction vehicles for children to tour and explore, a cow-milking demonstration and various bounce houses — all free of charge.

“We’ve offered some of the entertainment before, but we’ve never had a day dedicated to (children) and focused entertainment for them,” Douglas said. “A lot of families have a lot of children and can’t afford to go to state fairs anymore. We decided to help out a little bit and give the kids something to do that doesn’t cost the families anything.”

Advertisement

Douglas said registrations for events including the Miss 4th of July and Idol are going well and that the communities look forward to seeing their neighbors in the contests.

“The good thing about those is it’s a section of the event where the community is the entertainment,” Douglas said. “We always have a good turnout. Every year gets a little bigger.”

Douglas said anyone who has signed up to volunteer or is interested in volunteering is encouraged to attend an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Winslow Community Center.

He also encouraged any local nonprofit organizations to contact him at 776-5678 about fundraising during the Winslow event.

Jesse Scardina — 861-9239
jscardina@mainetoday.com


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.