Some 200 guests enjoyed the Lincoln County Democratic Committee’s annual Family Fun Day Lobster Bake on Sunday, Aug. 8 at Cider Hill Farm in Waldoboro. A highlight of the event was the surprise guest appearance of Governor Janet Mills, who spoke to the enthusiastic applause of the attendees. Mills thanked her administration, Maine citizens, and Lincoln County Democrats for their support during the unprecedented time of her tenure during the COVID-19 global pandemic. In turn, the crowd thanked and cheered Governor Mills for her outstanding handling of the pandemic in Maine.

The Lobster Bake was LCDC’s first in-person major event since 2019. Community members from Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor and Southport joined the gathering, which featured lobster, mussels, local oysters, watermelon, and other delicious summer foods on a glorious hot August day. Music by Smokey McKeen and Eric Rolfson of The Oystermen, several raffles, and plenty of relaxed social time gave Democrats the opportunity to reconnect with friends and meet new people after many months when such celebrations haven’t been possible. Brief presentations by Democratic legislators and leaders from Lincoln County and around the State rounded out the program.

Lincoln County Democratic Committee Chair Chris Johnson introduced the event’s Honorary Chair Marge Kilkelly, D-Dresden. Kilkelly welcomed guests and spoke about her 16 years as a Lincoln County representative and senator.

Maine Speaker of the House Rep. Ryan Fecteau, HD 11, described some of the many important accomplishments of the past legislative session, including 55% funding for education, 5% revenue sharing for municipalities, $40 million in funds for Land for Maine’s Future, and $50 million for state parks. He noted that “this has been the most transformative legislative session in decades. We achieved a laundry list of victories that are going to change Maine forever.”

Rep. Holly Stover of Boothbay, in her second term representing HD 89 in the Maine Legislature, announced that she will seek re-election and expressed her continuing commitment to child and adult mental health. Stover stated that “in this session, we passed the best bipartisan budgets that will ever happen in my lifetime. There is something for everyone, but we still have lots to do; our mental health and crisis systems were dismantled and are broken. We must continue to work together to put the safety net program back in place.”

Other Maine leaders in attendance included Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, Senate District 23; Sen. Chloe Maxmin, SD 13; Rep. Allison Hepler, House District 53; Rep. Lydia Crafts, HD 90; Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett; Natasha Irving, District Attorney for Maine Prosecutorial District 6; and County Commissioners Mary Trescot and Bill Blodgett. The speakers’ remarks highlighted the successes of the legislative session, as well as initiatives focusing on restorative justice and bringing understanding about the role of law enforcement to the community.

Jeff Hurd of The Narrows Tavern in Waldoboro provided both catering and the Cider Hill Farm site for the event. Legislators assisted the catering team in serving the festive meal.

In an email on Monday, August 9, LCDC fundraising chair Geoff Bates thanked the many event volunteers “for contributing to the success of what turned out to be a gorgeous summer morning and afternoon to work…for the future of this very special state…[I]t was the vibe, the sense of positivity and camaraderie that pervaded the space that will be so valuable as we move forward over the next year.”

Maine Democrats are committed to protecting and advancing the basic human rights of food security and access to affordable housing, healthcare, and education. We support working families, investment in good paying jobs, and a guarantee of fresh air and water as we protect our precious natural resources. We advance the ideals of racial and social justice and building a diversified and environmentally sustainable economy for Maine. Lincoln County Democrats look forward to a lively campaign next year as we endorse Democratic values in the 2022 election.