MERRILL, Maine — Drivers of nearly 30 vintage autos accelerated the energy level at Merrill Millstream Park during the fifth annual Cruise-In Labor Day weekend. A well attended crowd of approximately 150-plus participants consumed 125 lobsters, two cases of fair sausage, a case of hotdogs and eight dozen ears of corn.
This year’s cruise-in marked several significant upgrades. In an effort to make the event more family-oriented, the committee added a “Carnival game.” John and Kathy Hall of Moro supervised the game, giving everyone a chance to make their best dart throw, and bust a balloon to win a stuffed animal with accompanying story book. Most everyone won several times. There were actually close to 100 stuffed animals and books left over, which were donated to North Country Cruisers for their annual Toys for Tots campaign.
Two lucky kids – one boy and one girl – won a bicycle this year. Carl Bustard of Rockland donated the bikes and raffle tickets were drawn for kids between 5 and 12. One lucky boy, however, immediately gave his to a smaller child, as he already had a bike.
The menu was expanded to include fair sausage and hot dogs. These proved a great hit, as it has been realized that not everyone in Maine has a palate for lobster. The two cases of fair sausage were quickly consumed as well as the case of 80 hotdogs. Providing three different food items also allowed difference prices, for those with more family members and not all wanting the more expensive lobster.
Dan Brown, MMP’s resident DJ, entertained through the evening with his play list of 1960s and ‘70s music. Being a purist, he even used a vintage computer hooked into the sound system. Various announcements were made throughout the evening, recognizing volunteers that maintain the park and those who have contributed financially.
Ken Bustard, chairman of the MMP Committee, thanked those present for making the many park improvements possible with their consistent participation as well as financial support. “The past four years, the park committee has been able to add playground equipment, a sound system, popcorn machine, expanded electrical service, ten new tables, charcoal grill and beverage cooler,” Bustard said. “This has been a true community effort, with funds coming from private donations, modest profits from some of the events as well as municipal support from Smyrna, Oakfield and Merrill. “
Wayne and Sherry Campbell arrived from Millinocket with a 1923 Ford T-Bucket and a 1937 Model 115C Packard. Dick and Midge Jimmo traveled from Ashland in their 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 along with Roland and Sheila Jimmo (2014 Dodge Challenger) Houlton had a strong representation, with Toni Hetherington (1968 Pontiac Bonneville), Gordon Mitchell (1957 Ford Fairlane) and Bill and Kathy Larson (1966 Dodge Monaco), Mike and Gail Marshall (1954 GMC and 1968 Mercury Cougar), Brent Cyr (1973 Ford F100), William Bartman (1968 Mercury Comet), Paul Botting (1946 Chevy), Chris and Sonia Smith (1965 Impala) and Jon Miller (1952 Ford F1 Truck) From New Limerick was Judy Nightingale (1966 Pontiac GTO).
Residents of Linneus, Littleton, Mars Hill and Hodgdon included Keith and Sheila Murchie (1964 Pontiac GTO), Pete and Darlene Kenney (1989 Chevy 1500, 1978 Ford F150, Percy Carmichael (1978 Camaro Rally Sport) and Raymond and Melanie Carmichael (1967 Chevy Caprice), Steve Rogers (1968 Chevy Biscayne). Further south from Sherman were Tom and Charlene McAvoy (1966 Chevy C10) and Cary Plantation residents Leroy and Jackie Colella (2006 Chevy SS).
Local residents included Ralph and Cindy Bartman (1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan a/k/a “Barney”), Rob and Wendy Furrow (1972 Chevy Vette), Dennis Burpee (2002 Pontiac Firehawk), Ralph Bartman Jr. and wife Kim with in their 1976 GMC Sierra.
Many drivers participated in “Junk in the Trunk”, which is basically a swap meet for both old and newer auto parts. Participants were encouraged to contribute one item to the evening auction, proceeds to benefit activities at Merrill Millstream Park. The auction proved successful, netting $299.
Auction items, besides donated auto parts, included homemade blankets from Pearl Bustard, two custom made pillows by Cindy Bartman, a Chevy shirt from Peter Drew, and several gift certificates from Houlton Tire. Several other items showed up on the auction table without knowing who the donors were.
The cruise-in included a couple games throughout the evening. Kids were challenged with a bubble blowing contest, and several adults won prizes for producing such random items as a tire iron, chevy hat, etc.
The growing success of events at MMP is directly attributed to a loyal volunteer base. Present on Friday night to oversee everything from directing traffic, cooking lobster, corn and hotdogs, and selling raffle tickets were Alberta McDonald, Ralph and Cindy Bartman, Ken and Pearl Bustard, Jill Bustard, Shirley Drew, Sonny and Jann Votaw, Carl Bustard Jr. Keith and Brenda Hersey, and Eric Cone, John and Kathy Hall, Tawona and Wombli Martinez and Dan Brown.
Many favorable comments were heard through the evening. “I had an opportunity to engage in a conversation with Arlene Friel, a long time resident now in her senior years. She commented, how she had been looking forward to this all week,” Bustard said “She was treating a couple close friends, who have been assisting her now that she is getting older, to a ‘night out.’ It is always especially rewarding to provide an opportunity for our older citizens, who generally don’t like to travel far, coming out to enjoy an “evening on the town.”
