EASTON NEWS
by Hillary Hallett
In 1936, the first Potato Blossom Queen was crowned to help promote Maine’s number one export, the potato. Every year pageants are held in area towns so that one of their own young women or girls will compete in the Potato Blossom Pageant, and therefore have the chance to represent Maine and the Maine Potato Board.
This year marks 77 years of potato queens. In those 77 years, the title of Miss Potato Blossom has been held proudly by every town at least once in Aroostook County — well, every town but one. Easton is one of the most agricultural towns in Aroostook County, and very proud this year to have our very first Easton young lady to hold the title of Miss Maine Potato Queen.
On Saturday, July 21, Abagale Leeann Stewart was crowned Miss Maine Potato Queen 2013. Abagale is the daughter of Jonathan and Tina Fields. She graduated from Easton High School last spring and will be attending University of Maine this fall studying pre-med and biology.
Abagale is not new to pageants, having competed locally and nationally, starting at the age of 5. She has held titles in Hawaii, and was ranked Top 10 nationally in California by the Miss American Starlet Pageant system. Abagale was second runner up in the 2012 Maine’s Outstanding Teen Pageant and has held titles in the Northern Maine Pageant and was the 2012 Teen Miss Northeast Maine.
She has also held the titles of Pre-Teen Miss, Jr. Miss and Teen Miss Easton. Abagale shares that she is excited and honored to have been chosen to represent the Maine Potato Board.
Easton is excited and proud to have her representing our town and Aroostook County as the 2013 Miss Maine Potato Queen.
Newly-crowned Miss Easton
Congratulations to the newly-crowned 2013 Miss Easton, Cassandra Jane Buck. She was crowned July 23 by Easton’s own Abagale Leeann Stewart, the 2013 Maine Potato Queen. The ceremony was held at the Community Center in Easton. In attendance were her family, friends and community members.
Cassandra is the daughter of Andrew and Angela Buck. Cassie attends Easton High School where she will be a senior in the fall. Cassandra is an honor student and a class marshal. She has received the Academic Achievement of United Sates Academic Achievement Award, is on the Student Council, a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, Northern Lights Youth Choir and jazz choir.
Cassandra does a lot of volunteer work, including providing help at the Family Camp in Bridgewater, as well as the Special Olympics. Cassandra is an accomplished athlete and a very talented singer. Cassandra hopes to one day become a therapist; she hopes to work with special needs adults.
Congratulations, we know she will represent the community well!
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
Community library
Did you know the Easton High School library is now open every Tuesday during school summer vacation for the community to use? Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). You can find the form to borrow books at eastonschools.org or fill one out on site.
Rec news
Easton Recreation Department is offering our first Art Camp on Aug. 5, 6, 8 and 9 from 1-3 p.m. at the Hall. The cost is $10. Open to grades 1 and up. This is sure to be a fun, color-filled week! We will be using the color wheel and spectrums, making prints with recycled objects, creating mosaics and a three-dimensional sculpture.
Calendar of events
Wednesday, July 31 — Field trip to Birch Point Campground in Island Falls. The cost is $5. Departing at 9:30 a.m. and returning at 3:30 p.m. We will be swimming, having a hotdog roast and making s’mores. Children should have swimsuit, towel, water shoes and sunscreen! Bowling, game room, arcade and concessions on site cost additional money. Open to grades 1 and up unless accompanied by an adult.
Final T-ball 6-7 p.m. on the field behind the high school.
Thursday, Aug. 1 — We’ll end the summer with rec departments from around the County for fun, foo and water activities at Birch Point in St. David. Barbecue lunch provided. Children should have swimsuit, towel and sunscreen! Open to grades 1 and up unless accompanied by an adult.
Friday, Aug. 2 — Final swim lesson departing at 8:30 a.m. and returning around 10:20 a.m.
Final playgroup 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the Hall, open to those in kindergarten and younger.
Monday, Aug. 5 — Art Camp at the Hall from 1-3 p.m.; space still available!
Tuesday, Aug. 6 — Art Camp from 1-3 p.m. at the Hall.
Wednesday, Aug. 7 — Field trip to Playland Adventures in Brewer; departing at 7:15 a.m. and returning at 5 p.m. The cost is $12 which includes most activities. There are 11 inflatables inside and four waterslides/activities in the outdoor “splash zone,” as well as an arcade, mechanical bull, bungee trampoline and concessions (require extra money). Must wear socks and have a bathing suit/towel. Release form required. Open to grades 1 and up; younger children welcome with an adult.
Hillary Hallett is the correspondent for Easton. She can be reached by sending an e-mail to: recreation@eastonme.com or call 551-7737.
