York Town News
A York Days celebration to remember
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK BEACH - Whether your passion is building sandcastles, shopping for special craft items or seeing spectacular fireworks displays, the organizers of the 24th York Days Celebration are promising to have something you'll love.In fact, this year's event even boasts a special guest conductor for the Seacoast Wind Ensemble at this weekend's Christmas in July events: Gov. John E. Baldacci.
"Governor Baldacci will be joining us at the Lighting of the Nubble on the 30th," said Robin Cogger of York Parks and Recreation, adding, "He will serve in the capacity of guest conductor for the Seacoast Wind Ensemble."
And what does it take to make York Days a reality?
"We work on it year round," Cogger said, adding that while the busiest times are in the weeks preceding the events, "Our crafters will start calling as early as January wanting the applications."
Parks and Recreation Director Mike Sullivan said fans of York Days past are sure to find their favorite events once again, with some new additions to add to the fun.
York Days, which officially kicked off with last week's co-ed softball tournament, gets into full swing on Saturday, July 29, with the much-anticipated York Days Fireworks.
This fireworks display, which lights the sky over Ellis Short Sands Park in York Beach, will begin with a concert by the Bedford Big Band at 7 p.m. in Ellis Park. The fireworks will begin once the sky goes dark, usually at about 9 p.m., and are funded by donations from local businesses and individuals.
Although organizers are hoping the rains that plagued York through the spring will hold off through York Days, a rain date for the fireworks has been set for the following night at the same time and place.
On Sunday, July 30, the York Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the 14th Annual Christmas in July celebration, where local residents can join their summer friends in seeing the Nubble lit aglow in white lights as it is each year for the holiday season.
The event will begin with the Seacoast Wind Ensemble - and Guest Conductor Baldacci - performing at 8 p.m., culminating with the countdown to "lights on" at the Nubble.
Throughout the week, York Days promises an array of events, including music each night in Ellis Park.
New this year, the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce will host the first "York Days Beach Party for all Ages" on Wednesday, Aug. 2.
Residents are invited to "boogie on the beach" in front of the Long Sands Beach bathhouse, noted Chamber Vice President Carrie Eisner, as the event will feature the tunes of the Beach Boys, Jimmy Buffet and many other favorites as Rog & Ray jam on their banjos.
The party begins at 11 a.m. with informal surfing competitions as well as games for all ages with the help of Long Sands Beach's own Liquid Dreams Surf Shop.
"If surfing is not your thing, build a sandcastle and enter it into the sandcastle contest sponsored by the Long Sands General Store," Eisner said.
And if that's not your scene, you can fly a kite or hula hoop - or just enjoy the barbecue food being provided by the crew from The Meat House while 96.7 The Wave broadcasts live from the beach party.
The Beach Party is being offered by the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Sweet Josie's Candy Shoppe, Lasting Impressions Old Time Photography, Sun & Surf Restaurant, The Inn at Long Sands, Oceanside Store, Saxony Imports, Gabby Sullivan's, Inn on the Blues and Panda & Sakura Restaurant.
For more information, call the chamber at 363-4422.
And if you're in the mood for sports, the Fifth Annual York Days Junior Golf Tournament at the Cape Neddick Country Club is on July 31, the all-new York Days Youth Tennis Tournament is set for Aug. 4 and the 24th Annual Amidon Family Dentistry York Days Road Race will be held on Aug. 6.
For all the details on the golf, tennis or race events, visit www.yorkmaine.org and follow the links to Parks and Recreation.
The week of fun will end with the two-day York Days Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the York Beach Ballpark.
The event will feature family entertainment including Greg Dame performing on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Trillium on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. York's own aspiring young violinists, York Strings, led by Lynne McMahon, are also expected to be on hand to perform during the event, which will boast food, pottery, crafts, jewelry, paintings, dried flowers and clothing for sale - to name a few.
Want to know more? Call York Parks and Recreation at 363-1040.
