The Central Maine 4th of July, Great American Celebration, held this year at our Clinton Lions Club fairgrounds and the Sebasticook Riding Club facility, was a huge success by all measures.

Speaking for the Clinton Lions Club, we are pleased that we made the decision to work with Kevin Douglass and his committee to move their celebration, formerly held in Winslow, to Clinton.

We debated this idea last spring well aware of the controversies following this committee that have been reported in this paper. One inaccuracy I’d like to point out is that we were not “stood up” at a meeting — they simply rescheduled one, with adequate notice. At the meetings that took place, Kevin was able to convince us that he had the backing of many enthusiastic volunteers and financial contributors all centered on providing a respectful celebration of the freedoms we are blessed with in this great country on our nation’s birthday.

Our location in central Maine, close to I-95, with its expanded parking area, and recent aquisition of a large parcel of adjoining land puts our fairgrounds in an excellent position to host this type of large gathering.

By promoting and advertising this event with a clear focus on respect for our country, it’s flag and the hard-fought freedoms it stands for, these volunteers attracted a crowd that required little policing, left hardly any trash, and thoroughly enjoyed the event.

We hope that the success of this event puts the committee in a better position to work with the town of Winslow on their debt, that all those involved take some pride in this accomplishment, and that the respect shown to our flag, our country, each other and our fairgrounds sets the tone for future celebrations.

Brant Winsor

president

Clinton Lions Club


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