A northern Aroostook town’s annual summer festival will raise funds to help ensure no other resident dies before he can receive lifesaving treatment.
Wallagrass’ annual Pondfest, slated for Saturday, June 27, will feature fireworks, a parade, music, food, and even frog and duck races.
Organizers originally planned to raise money for a new community pavilion, but due to disagreements about its final location, they pivoted toward a cause everyone could get behind: access to dialysis treatments. As it stands, residents in the region who need dialysis have to drive to Presque Isle or even further, if that facility is full.
The new effort was inspired by Timothy Pinette, a neighbor and truck driver for Desjardins Logging who recently had to undergo a double lung transplant, said Elaine Desjardins, chairperson of the Wallagrass/Soldier Pond Revitalization Committee.
Pinette experienced a medical crisis upon returning home, but the closest facility available to give him treatment was in Bangor. He did not survive the trip.
“That was one of the things that really sent us over the edge,” she said. “We’ve got to do something.”
No specifics have been finalized, but organizers have been in contact with Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent, where staff have been receptive to the idea, Desjardins said.
There is also a possibility that a treatment facility could be moved to the town’s former elementary school, which Desjardins said currently has rooms being rented to a chiropractor and psychologist.
Though final details on where treatment may be offered are not yet determined, they are ultimately not the most important part of the fundraiser.
“What matters is that we get it here,” she said.
The committee seeks volunteers to help out before and during Pondfest because two of the main volunteers are unable to attend due to prior commitments.
The festival will now start at 2 p.m. instead of noon, giving organizers more time to prepare in the morning.
The frog and duck races are set for 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, and there will be games, music, and arts and crafts up until the parade lineup at 6 p.m. The parade will last until 7:15 p.m., after which music will continue until the festival is capped off with 9 p.m. fireworks.
Prospective volunteers may visit the Wallagrass Community Center at 6 p.m on Friday, June 26, Desjardins said. They can also reach out to the town office via Facebook or call 207-834-2263.