The second annual Buxton Community Day at Tory Hill attracted about 5,000 people, many of whom withstood the sweltering summer sun.

“It was wicked hot,” said Buxton Fire Chief Jeff Grinnell.

Grinnell and 12 volunteers barbequed chicken and served a complete evening meal to 200 people, 25 more than last year. The barbeque sold out and a few people were turned away.

Grinnell was prepared for the crowd, serving 50 meals by 5 p.m. But hungry fairgoers started lining up well before the advertized 5 p.m. start time, forcing Grinnell to serve early. “They were ready to mutiny,” he said.

Chris Barstow, director of the Buxton Recreation Department, said the turnout for the festival was exceptional with the highest turnout in the evening when things cooled off.

“Everything went very well. Even with the weather, I was happy,” he said.

There was plenty of food throughout the day at Weymouth Park booths. A long line formed early for the pancake breakfast under the Lions Club tent and the Dorcas Society served food under a tent on the lawn at the Tory Hill Church, across Route 202 from Weymouth Park.

A large turnout lined Route 112 at Tory Hill to see an hour-long parade, organized by Town Clerk John Myers. Amanda and Cliff Sperrey of Buxton with their two children, 16-month-old Emily and 4-year-old Jacob, staked out a good vantage spot well before the parade came down the road from Bar Mills. “We got here early,” Amanda said.

Buxton resident Erwin Wales drove the parade grand marshal, Virgie Wright of West Buxton, a member of the Tory Hill Church, in a classic convertible car from his collection. The parade featured Buxton Police and Fire and Rescue vehicles combined with some antique fire trucks.

Vintage vehicle buffs also got to see antique cars and farm tractors. Even re-enactors from a Revolutionary War encampment at Helen Bruce Park paused to watch the parade. Other parade units included Buxton Girl and Boy Scouts, two bands, a Bonny Eagle soccer club, horses and riders, and the Buxton Garden Club.

Tours of the Royal Brewster Mansion raised $2,000, benefiting the Buxton Hollis Historical Society. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of their home built in 1805, Richard and Beverly Atkinson, committee chairmen who helped organize the event, opened the mansion, its barn and grounds to the public.

Jan Hill, the head of the historical society guides who dressed in period costumes, was pleased with the response from the public. “It’s awesome. We’re very pleased with the turnout,” she said. “They’ve been very patient. It’s been hot.”

At Weymouth Park, entertainment appeared on stage throughout the day and early evening. A $10,000 fireworks display capped the event at 9:15 p.m.

Barstow thanked all the community members and volunteers who made this year’s event so successful. On Monday, organizers were already planning next year’s celebration. Changes include more games for the kids and an earlier start for youth activities.

“Next year’s is looking bigger and better,” Barstow said.

Buxton Community Day evolved from the former Old Home Days combined with the Dorcas Society Fair.

The Buxton Garden Club members in the Buxton parade.Allie Williams-Rudden, 6, on the sand castle slide at Buxton Community Day on Saturday.The bounce was popular with kids of all ages at Buxton Community Day on Saturday.A horse and riders in the parade on Saturday during Buxton Community Day.An antique tractor in the parade.A crowd lines Route 112 at Tory Hill for the parade during Buxton Community Day.

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