HAMPDEN, Maine — A shortage of volunteers could lead to the cancellation of this year’s edition of Hampden Children’s Day, arguably the community’s largest annual family event.
A recent organizational meeting drew only two people, far from the number needed to put on a daylong event that usually features a parade, fireworks, field games, concessions and other activities, according to the Children’s Day Facebook page.
This year would mark the 36th so far that Children’s Day has been held. The only year it did not go on, also due to a dearth of volunteers, was 2001, according to a story from the Bangor Daily News archives.
To that end, residents Janet Hughes and Tom Brann — former Town Council members — have agreed to attempt to recruit enough volunteers to stage this year’s event, tentatively set for Aug. 15, Hughes said Monday evening.
Hughes said she got involved in the effort to rescue this year’s Children’s Day after seeing an email a few weeks ago suggesting that the 2015 event could be canceled if enough volunteers do not step forward.
While Children’s Day is produced by a nonprofit group, the town of Hampden has provided some support staff.
The committee that organizes the event fell apart last summer, in part because of some friction between longtime volunteers and newer ones, Hampden Recreation Director Shelley Abbott said Monday afternoon.
Hughes added that some past volunteers have moved away or decided that they have already devoted enough time to Children’s Day.
When Hughes saw a Children’s Day item on a recent Town Council committee meeting, she decided to voice her concerns about the event’s future and agreed to help try to rescue it. Brann agreed to help her, she said.
“We’re hoping that people will stand up and say ‘I don’t want Children’s Day to leave, either,’” Hughes said.
“It’s a wonderful event and it’s the only big community event for children and families, and it’s very well attended,” she said, adding that Hughes Bros Inc., her family’s business, has operated in Hampden for many years and wants to help keep Children’s Day going.
Hughes said that town officials asked event supporters to come back with a recommendation on April 13. She said that she and Brann hope to hold an organizational meeting sometime next week, but that the session has not yet been scheduled.
Hughes said that the point of the proposed meeting next week is to determine how many people are willing to volunteer and what each can commit to — whether that includes leading a subcommittee, pitching in on the day of the event or facilitating other key functions. If there is adequate interest, committee officers also might be elected.
For more information or to volunteer, email Hughes at jhughes@hughesbrosinc.com or call her at 768-1396 or 942-0292.