BATH —  On Saturday, October 10, Bath held its annual Autumn Fest celebration on Front Street and Waterfront Park.  Children gathered to make scarecrows on the lawn at the Customs House and painted windows along Front Street; the farmers held one of their last outdoor markets of the year (the farmer’s market will shortly move indoors as of November 1, more information will be available before then), the City’s non-profits displayed the fruits of their tireless labors at Waterfront Park, under tree-dappled sunshine, with musical accompaniment.

On Front Street, Box 19, a group of retired firefighters who love playing with fire engines gave rides on two of their engines to anyone who waited patiently enough to snag a ride around the block.  The Skatepark grilled sausages and hot dogs in the shadow of City Hall.  At some point, a dancing lion, a few months early (or late) for Chinese New Year ambled down the street, accompanied by pounding drums.  People were rushing around, gathering up points for the annual scavenger hunt in Bath’s shops.

Down at Brackett’s, Lisa-Marie’s annual craft show was in full swing, too.

In the midst of the festivities, it was time to honor the City’s most tireless volunteers.  This year, Citizen of the Year went to Evelyn (Evie) Smith, a volunteer with the Bath Soup Kitchen, and knitter of many mittens for Bath’s schools.

The Lifetime Spirit Award was given to Martha Mayo, for her dedication to education, preservation, music, and celebration of the community.  Mayo has worked on many local projects and programs, including MOHIBA, Elmhurst, The Children’s Schoolhouse, Sagadahoc Preservation, The Chocolate Church, Grace Episcopal Church, and Main Street Bath.

This year’s Community Project Award went to Help-A-Kid, which provides after school activities to more than 250 community kids who would otherwise go home to empty houses, or whose parents can’t afford enrichment activities.  Programs such as karate lessons, YMCA swim lessons, the skate park, camps, gymnastics, fishing and outing clubs, kayaking, music lessons, pottery lessons, skiing, horseback riding, bowling, and many other programs provide enrichment for RSU#1 children.

The Community Spirit Award went to Robert Jordan for all his work at Bath Skatepark.  He is also a beloved teacher at Morse High School.

Finally, the Youth Award went to Kean McDermott, a student at Morse. He is a scholar, student leader, athlette, engaged citizen, and compassionate neighbor.  He is a member of the Model UN program, a top tri-athlete, and active at the Chocolate Church, as well as the student representative at both the RSU#1 School Board and Planning Board.

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