The town of Eastbrook’s annual summer festival, Eastbrook Days, has changed a bit to make it more inclusive and more enjoyable for all who attend.

Stefan Nadzo reports this year’s dates are Friday and Saturday, July 7-8, with the addition of Saturday, July 15, for the Bass Fishing Derby.

Last year, he explained, the derby “was the same day as all the other major events,” and many fishermen later told planners they wished the derby was a different day “so that they could participate in it but also enjoy the Saturday festivities with their families.”

The committee listened to the fishermen, so this year’s derby events begin with a pancake breakfast at 6 a.m. Saturday, July 15, at the Eastbrook Community Center, followed by the all-day Bass Fishing Derby at all Hancock County ponds. The weigh-in is at 4:30 p.m. that day at the Eastbrook Community Center.

Meanwhile, fishermen are going to enjoy this weekend’s activities with their families, which begin with roller skating for all ages from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 7, at Cave Hill School in Eastbrook.

Skating is $5, and specially designed skates that will not harm the gym floor will be provided. You will need to wear socks, however.

Activities begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 8, with breakfast sandwiches at the Grange Hall, followed by the parade at 9:30 a.m. in downtown Eastbrook.

“This year’s live music promises to be wonderful,” Nadzo wrote of the presentation beginning at 10 a.m. near the firehouse featuring Fletcher’s Landing Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Hancock County District Attorney Michael Povich.

You will also enjoy “live country music on Molasses Pond’s beach by Washington D.C., award-wining group Honky Tonk Confidential with Diana Quinn and Mike Woods,” Nadzo wrote, “and real Maine music by Maine’s own Jimmy Barnes.”

He added that “other groups and several local amateur singers, and karaoke for all the rest of us,” will make for a lively day.

Historical and genealogy exhibits, activities for children, a craft show, bake sale and much more will be featured beginning at 10 a.m., and afternoon events include a horseshoe tournament, pig scramble, tug-of-war, and more live music.

Then you can enjoy a lobster salad supper at 5 p.m. at the Grange Hall; log rolling at 6 p.m. on Molasses Pond; and more music and fun before the fireworks at 9 p.m., over Molasses Pond, bringing to an end these first two Eastbrook Days.

Then it’s time for the fishermen to start scouting the ponds to claim the best spot for their derby the following Saturday.

For the complete schedule of events and driving directions, visit www.eastbrookmaine.org.

You can’t deny that there are many thoughtful and considerate members of Bangor High School’s Class of 1971.

Linda Allen wrote recently that “this is my final reminder” for classmates “about our upcoming 35th reunion,” which is Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15.

She especially wants her classmates to know that “thanks to the generosity of many class members,” a special fund has been established to be used by a class member “who finds it difficult to afford the $35 cost of the Saturday evening dinner” at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant in Brewer.

A classmate need only mail his or her reservation form “with a brief note requesting that their charge be waived,” she wrote, or call Allen, at 947-1353, with that request.

She assures you that your request “will remain confidential.”

“We encourage everyone to come and see old friends or, perhaps, make new friends with people who share much of the same history growing up in Bangor,” she wrote.

The first event is an informal gathering at 7 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the Sports Arena, 1640 Hammond St. in Hermon that offers guests “pool tables, bowling, video games, food, a bar and other entertainment,” Allen explained.

The dinner is 6-11 p.m. Saturday, July 15, at The Muddy Rudder, and includes a slide show, dancing and cash bar.

“The reunion committee has been busy making final preparations for this fun weekend,” Allen wrote.

“Everyone who was a member of our class, even if they did not graduate with us, is welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you all.”

Charlotte Dillworth of Jonesboro Grange 357 is “seeking 50 to 100 used Bingo cards” for its members’ enjoyment.

If you can provide them, call her 434-6221.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.