Welcome back, Corinna!

Those are the words that came to mind as I listened to the excited and enthusiastic description of Old Fashioned Old Home Days being planned for the Corinna community from Thursday, June 29, through Sunday, July 2.

Kay Gray and other community members are working hard to lure former residents to return to their hometown that weekend and share in the joy of a new downtown.

As reported in the Bangor Daily News last month, Corinna’s 25-acre downtown was declared a Superfund site in 1983 when contamination in local wells was discovered.

Several carcinogenic chemicals found in wells, the Sebasticook River, bedrock and surrounding soil came from the dyeing and manufacturing process at Eastland Woolen Mill, which began operation in 1909 and dominated that downtown.

The cleanup, which included removal of the mill, thousands of pounds of hazardous substances, treatment of tons of soil and moving the river, was described by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Project Manager Ed Hathaway as a model of success.

Now, local residents want people to come home and see that for themselves.

“It’s all looking really good,” Gray said.

“We’ve built a new Main Street, and we have a new senior housing building. We want people from Corinna to come back and see” for themselves the changes that have taken place.

Festivities include a free concert by the 195th Army Band at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, on the lawn of the Stewart Free Public Library.

Karaoke for children “or anyone,” is 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 30, Gray said, “and we’ll have another concert, Fishers of Men, at 7 p.m. and then karaoke again.”

Plans for Saturday include an early morning red, white and blue pancake breakfast at Morse’s Corner Church, an Old Home Days parade at 10 a.m. “and, throughout the day, we’ll have vendors, crafters, an agricultural fair for the children and an all-day basketball tournament at Corinna Elementary,” Gray said.

“If anyone wants to participate in the parade, or set up crafts, or needs any more information,” Gray said, “they can call Michele Dumoulin at the Corinna town office, 278-4183, or call me at 924-3027.”

Gray said planners are seeking people to be part of the parade that is expected to include antique cars, trucks and tractors.

The Corinna Historical Society will be open all day Saturday, Gray said.

“An afternoon concert will turn into a jam session. We’ll have a blood drive to benefit Children’s Miracle Network; a Spaghetti Supper at the United Methodist Church, beano and a children’s and adult street dance.”

Throughout the celebration, the “new” Village Square Restaurant will offer specials, and Gray hopes Maine Country Music Hall of Famer Ginger May Dyer “will have her museum open.”

Kayak races begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 2, followed by a concert at 3 p.m. and an ecumenical service at 4 p.m.

More information, or registration for the kayak race, and information about the jam session, can be obtained from Bob Hughes at 278-2735.

“What we’re really doing now is trying to get the word out so people will plan to come to Corinna that weekend,” Gray said.

She knows you will like what you see and what you will find to do in this new-to-you town.

Speaking of Corinna, the second in the Stewart Free Library Concerts on the Lawn Series, featuring The Gelina Family is 7 p.m. tonight, at the library.

All Stewart Free Library Concerts on the Lawn are 7 p.m. Thursdays and for those who would like a clip-and-save reminder for the remainder of the series, here it is.

After tonight’s concert will be Boreal Tordu, June 22; the 195th Army Band, June 29; St. Andrew’s Pipes & Drums, July 6; Country Tuners, July 13; Zemya, July 20; The Hyssongs, July 27; Dover Community Band, Aug. 3; Fishers of Men, Aug. 10; and Breakin’ Strings, Aug. 17.

For more information, call library director Cynthia Jennings, 278-2454, or e-mail www.corinna.govoffice.com.

A benefit supper for the family of 3-year-old Alysia Brown, who died of accidental drowning Sunday at her Carmel home, is 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the Masonic Lodge in Carmel.

Donations will be gratefully accepted, and all proceeds will benefit the Alysia Brown Memorial Fund.

If you can help in any way, call Jeanette Rogers at work, 973-3350, or at home, 433-7586.

Organizers thank lodge members for their time and contributions to this benefit.

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