The sun, the hearth of affection and life, pours burning love on the delighted earth.  Arthur Rimbaud

Summer in Maine is a beautiful and magical creation. Look around and breathe in with exhilaration at the beauty and peace that nature can offer. The warm bright light of a Maine summer arrives wrapped in good intentions, creating seasonal events and purposes.

These are months that communities plan concerts, fairs, and special events carefully accumulating treasured memories. The truly deep plans give birth to memory making traditions in the life of our community.

So … let’s get ready for a joyful summer in Maine. Children fix their eyes to these months. Funny how little incidents from childhood seem to linger in the memory from year to year. School will be closed-no school-life for little children will be a treasure of discovery and excitement, a present about to be opened.

The days will come alive with the sounds of children’s squeals of delight and laughter. (I hope to take my great-grandsons to play miniature golf.)

Life is fundamentally a matter of growing. As the parishioners of St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox church prepare for their festival they keep their thoughts and hearts focused on abundance, friends, and community. The highs of the festival are tradition, culture, laughter, fun, activity, involvement with others, and enjoying delicious foods. The festival is July 7, 8, and 9.

The men and women spend hours in the kitchen preparing mouthwatering dishes for the festival. Just as we feed our bodies we need to feed our souls. We are thankful for nutritious food and regenerating our planet so that it is a safe place for generations to come. Be grateful and give to others and appreciate what comes our way.

If activities for youth are not on your mind, maybe other functions are. The great Creator made this world to dazzle and move us.

Moving on to La Kermesse-Franco American-“Ce’est le temp.” It is with great pleasure that family and friends are welcomed to the 35th La Kermesse Franco American Festival.

Preparations will be made at the St .Louis Field for the Thursday night opening. Opening night schedule calls for a block party, live entertainment and fireworks. The schedule for all four days is on the festival’s website.

This year’s parade will be held June 23, starting at the corner of Jefferson and South Street, proceeding down Jefferson Street, turning right on Alfred Street and up Graham Street extension. It will turn left onto West Street, then continue to St. Louis Field where the festival will be held. The parade will go on rain or shine.

Anyone who would like to participate in the parade must submit an application to La Kermesse Festival:  c/o Dave Jordan, 8 Chelsea Circle, Saco, Maine 04072 Phone is 229-2024.

It takes much planning and a little worry planning events. On the other hand it provides camaraderie and fun. Thank you to the Board of Directors and Operation Managers.

You also can kick of summer in Maine at the 44th Annual Old Port Festival. This family friendly event is an outdoor celebration of music, art, and community in the heart of busy downtown Portland.

There will be awesome live music, Maine made arts and crafts, food from local businesses, kid’s activities and more. As always the Old Port Festival is on rain or shine Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May the spirit of faith and love touch us all.

Experience the aliveness of every moment at the yard sale at Saco Museum and Dyer Library on June 16.