Destination: Old Hallowell Day

by Esther J. Perne

There's something special about Hallowell on the Kennebec River. The town's historic ties are strong and exciting and tangible everywhere. Its current spirit of community is contagious. Its future is promising.

What first attracts the visitor are the old, the quaint but definitely not neglected, buildings. The main street -- Water Street -- bustles with shops, galleries, restaurants, sidewalk bins, and people strolling, browsing, buying. There is friendliness in the air, a quality of neighborliness.

Imagine then, a festival one day each summer that takes over this unique main street, that invites people to join and enjoy the celebration and to discover the other sides of town -- the beautiful, history-rich waterfront, the carefully preserved homes and businesses off the beaten track, the public buildings, the parks, the trails.

Saturday, July 19, is such a festival -- Old Hallowell Day -- the day to discover or to return to this delightful three-centuries-old-plus destination.

Like all good celebrations, the festivities for Old Hallowell Day begin beforehand. On Thursday, July 17, there is a Senior Citizen luncheon at noon at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall on Summer Street. From 5 to 7 pm, the Signing of the Commemorative Poster by Sandra Dunn will take place at the Hubbard Free Library on Second Street. Built in 1880, the library is the first building in Maine built specifically for that purpose.

On Friday, July 18, there will be an Art Show from 12 noon to 4 pm at the Harlow Gallery on Water Street. Run as a cooperative by the Kennebec Valley Art Association, the Harlow Gallery, is a center for live performances and for local artists' exhibits with an Opening Reception the first Friday of each month.

In the evening there will be a Lobster Roll Supper at St. Matthews Church on Union Street and a Cribbage Tournament at 6 pm at The Wharf on Front Street. The Wharf is in the ground floor of the oldest commercial building in Hallowell.

The schedule for Old Hallowell Day itself, Saturday, July 19, starts at 7:00 a.m. and continues nonstop through fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Activities include sales, music, food specials, demonstrations, tours, an art show, parade and fireworks.

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