The Friends of Colonial Pemaquid (FOCP), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Colonial Pemaquid’s historical significance through the development, support and implementation of educational programs, recently announced the cancellation of its summer Lecture Series in conjunction with Bristol Parks and Recreation Commission, the organization that allowed FOCP to hold the programs in their Learning Center located in Lighthouse Park.  The Monday night Lecture Series typically draws 75 people, making it impossible to seat people six feet apart, as well as comply with the 50-person maximum seating for indoor space.

Further, and for similar reasons, the annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence, scheduled for July 4th, has also been cancelled. Even in an open setting, there are too many variables that could easily put the health of the public at risk, including the six-foot social distancing requirement as well as restrictions on group size.

“Even as we all tentatively emerge from the imposed hibernation that has recently shaped our lives, the last thing we all want to do is undermine whatever progress we have made in containing COVID 19 by extending its current life because of imprudent decisions,” said Don Loprieno, President, Friends of Colonial Pemaquid. “We thank all of our supporters for their membership and ongoing interest in our educational programs as well as for their patience and understanding during these difficult times.

FOCP will inform its friends and members if it can proceed with its final program of the season, the annual Castlebay Concert slated for Saturday, Aug. 29 and its annual meeting, usually held in summer, now tentatively planned for early fall.

For additional information, visit www.friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org or email info@friendsofcolonialpemaquid.org