Friends of Wiscasset Village's Orange Barrel Festival idea sounds like a hoot, embracing the weirdness of what we've all been driving, walking, or biking through this spring, and celebrating the barrels' pending disappearance.

In case the group would like suggestions for festival events, here are some. All would need to be done where and how they would not impede travel, and with barrels not part of the state's project. Maybe Maine Department of Transportation would have some to lend:

– Barrel makeovers, a family event like the town's scarecrow-making festival or the artistry of Damariscotta's Pumpkinfest.

– The lobster barrel roll: Entrants don lobster costumes, fill their barrel with beach balls, then roll the barrel, from the outside, to a finish line, along the way catching and put back in any beach balls that roll out.

–Barrel toss: A timed event using small orange construction cones. Who can get the most in a barrel?

–Pedestrian practice: A timed walk measuring the same distance as one of the new crosswalks.

All the construction project's barrels and other work items downtown at tourist time do not scream beautiful, or ease of movement, but they represent the potential for a safer, smoother trip and, depending on which predictions you believe, an eventual boost to businesses as more of Route 1's travelers spend time and money here.

Our blogger Frank Barnako checked out MDOT’s Hallowell project, including wider sidewalks like the state is building here. Check out the post at wiscassetnewspaper.com

Week's positive parting thought: Have a barrel of fun this summer!