Jayna Smith

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Flocks of pink flamingos–plastic yard decor pink flamingos–have been appearing on the lawns of many unsuspecting residents these last few weeks. 

Members of Friends of Sarah’s House Flamingo Fundraiser, a group which can be found on Facebook, have been busy “flocking” residents, all to raise money for Sarah’s House of Maine.  

Six-year-old Addison Brown, of Calais, is this year’s Junior Miss International.  The pageant, sponsored by Riverview Restaurant & Lounge, was held at Flat Iron Park on Sunday, just in time for the royal courts to reign over the 50th anniversary celebration being held this week. (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Instructor Barbara Lara dances with some of her youngest students.  Lara always has a great performance by her students following the parade.  

Many stepped up to help volunteer at this year’s Peanut Fair.  The fair is hosted each year by the Calais PTO, along with Calais Community Hospital.  Staff members from CCH, shown here, were also present for the Doll Hospital and Teddy Bear Clinic.  According to PTO member Tomi Ellsmore, big thanks also go to Calais Ace Homecenter, Calais IGA, Walmart, Tradewinds, Riverside Electric, and State Cinimas for donations made to the event.   (Calais PTO photo)

Leading up to the fireworks Saturday night of International Homecoming Festival was a concert at Flat Iron Park by The Tyler Healy Band.  The concert was made possible thanks to the generous donations from Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria and Riverside Electric.  One can learn more about The Tyler Healy Band on its Facebook page or by visiting tylerhealyband.com.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

The Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers put on a packed-house show during this year’s International Homecoming Festival.  Back by popular demand after an impressive show last year, the puppet show was free for all to attend.  A big thanks goes to State Cinemas for proving popcorn for the attendees and to Wabanaki Culture Center for use of their multi-purpose room.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

The Chair Affair auction, an event hosted by Calais Downtown Revitalization Coalition, took place last Thursday evening with 14 locally-crafted Adirondack chairs up for bid.  Calais Community Hospital’s “tiki time” chair, created by CCH staff members Tabitha Stanley and Crystal Donovan, raked in the most money for the CDRC fundraiser.  Shown with the chair is auctioneer-extraordinaire Jeff Demmons.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives were outside the Calais Veterans Center during the street fair selling tickets on an oil giveaway, among other things.  The oil raffle was for 100 gallons donated by VL Tammaro Oil.  (Photo by Jayna Smith)

During the International Homecoming Festival, on Friday, August 4, 2023, Calais Memorial High School Class of 1958 gathered at Louis Bernardini’s cottage on the St. Croix River to celebrate 65 years they have experienced since graduation.

The celebration included a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, corn, salads, cole slaw, pies and ice cream, all provided by Louis’s family and the classmates who attended.

Addison Brown, Junior Miss International; Klaire Olsson, Little Miss International Princess; and Aurora Olsson, Young Miss International had fun riding in the parade.  (Photo courtesy of Jessica Olsson)