Bucksport to make a splash> Festivities will celebrate refurbished waterfront

BUCKSPORT — The town’s refurbished waterfront will be the focus of festivities here Saturday.

Continuing improvements at the site include the virtual rebuilding of the town dock over the winter and installation of historical plaques along the walkway. A marina will open later this summer.

To celebrate the year’s progress, a waterfront rededication ceremony will highlight the seventh annual Bucksport Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Waterfront Show and Sale, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

Special noontime ceremonies will include a welcome by Bucksport Mayor Lisa Whitney, a blessing of the fleet by the Rev. Jack O’Hara, a wreath observance by former Bucksport harbormaster Ulysses Haskell, and a waterfront history presentation by resident Shirley Gowan.

The rededication also will feature a tribute to the late Larry Rosen, a local businessman who donated much of the land now part of the waterfront walkway. The Bucksport High School Band is set to provide entertainment, and resident Oliva Jacques will lead a Flag Day remembrance.

Tours of Bucksport’s harbor will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a Maine Maritime Academy research vessel.

The waterfront show originally was intended to include the grand opening of the town marina, but because of delays in starting construction that facility is not expected to open until July, said Chamber director Sue Ruel, who organized the event along with Chamber board member Beth Roderick.

Inaugurated as an outdoor living show, the annual waterfront event has gradually incorporated other features, such as this year’s addition of an art exhibit sponsored by the Bucksport Arts Association.

The Miles Lane School’s natural science club and Bucksport Boy Scout Troop 82 are among at least 15 other exhibitors that will offer family-oriented products and activities.