Wiscasset has done a lot of hard work lately, deliberating over which state concept to accept for the downtown, among other decisions. And as we’re seeing online at our website, www.wiscassetnewspaper.com, and on our Facebook and Disqus posts, not everyone is happy with the outcome. But those who chose to vote, absentee or in person, did so, and this is a good moment to exhale, and let off some energy and even some ooh’s and ah’s, that a pair of local events will provide.

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church’s strawberry festival is, like Memorial Day weekend, one of the harbingers of summer. The church’s members work throughout the year to help the community. Coming to the event is a way to give back to the church, and enjoy the main attraction, the strawberry, in its many forms. We always look forward to it. Let’s hope for sunny skies and support it either way. The festival at 12 Hodge Street runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, June 25.

Wiscasset’s July 4 celebration has tradition, honor and some added beauty this year. Look for a lighted boat parade in the evening, led by Alan and Judy Boyes, a couple we’ve met more than once on these pages for their service with the Wiscasset Yacht Club and the contribution they’ve made to past July 4 events. The boat parade sounds like a great addition. Thanks to those involved for making it happen. 

And if you are in strawberry withdrawal after the strawberry festival at St. Philip’s, the yacht club has you covered with its annual strawberry shortcake social July 4. Check our schedule on this page for the times on that and Wiscasset’s other Independence Day festivities.

On the heels of Wiscasset’s exercise in democracy at the polls, spending millions of dollars on town and school budgets, letting non-residents onto two town panels, and picking an option for MDOT, the nation’s birthday will, as always, be a wonderful and important occasion to recognize. We hope you can get out there for some or all of it.