Everyone hearts Raymond and July 4th celebration happening this Saturday - By Michelle L

This weekend Raymond hopes to put itself on the map with a celebration like other area towns hold, but this one will feature everything Raymond. 

“People are looking to do something around the fourth,” co-organizer Carrie Colby said. This event gives them the opportunity to see what Raymond has to offer. 

“It will be very modest,” said Danielle Loring, the other co-organizer and an employee of the Town of Raymond. “We want to do it right.” 

At 9 a.m. the day begins with the recognition and presentation to a Civil War Medal of Honor awardee 154 years after the start of the Civil War. There will be a ceremony at Riverside Cemetery, 168 Plains Road. 

At 10:30 a.m., there will be a Fourth of July parade from Main Street to Mill Street featuring Raymond softball, antique cars, Boy and Girl Scouts and other local entries. At the Sherri Gagnon Park, 63 Mill Street, there will be vendors selling a variety of items. Food like hot dogs and hamburgers, popcorn, bake sale items and more. 

“Lots of people volunteered,” said Colby. “We’ve had great support from the fire department and the sheriff’s office.”

Raymond Village Library is sponsoring a bounce house for kids and Boy Scout Troop 800 is making a monkey bridge for anyone to cross. There will be a dunk tank with opportunities to soak teachers, coaches and kids. There will be other fun events at the park. 

“We are keeping it scaled back so we can start small and build,” said Colby. 

At 12:30 p.m. the pie eating contests begin with three age divisions, sponsored by the Good Life market, RRC and Village Donut Shop. The winner of each category wins a prize. 

“The businesses and residents we’ve talked to are excited,” said Loring. The support from businesses in Raymond has been tremendous, they said. They have received $3,500 in pledges from 15 businesses and more than 20 are helping out with resources, Loring said. The event received no money from the Town of Raymond, but will receive services from public works and other town services. 

The event is free to attend. 

With the weather looking good for Saturday, Colby and Loring are optimistic about a strong turnout. After all, everyone “hearts” Raymond, ME.