NEW GLOUCESTER – It’s a clear, sunny summer day at Barefoot Beach at the outlet of Sabbathday Lake.

There is a steady stream of customers. They stop at the entrance window to the beach, are greeted with a smile by owner Margo Cook as admission is paid, then enter the beach, crossing a wooden ramp to find a spot to settle down and relax.

Children are spotted digging in the sand building sand castles.

In the water, swimmers head to the dock to make cannonballs and dive over and over again. A few head off onto the lake in paddle boats, canoes and kayaks.

A few read and chat.

A boater stops by and gets directions to launch a boat, paying a nominal fee.

“This summer, though not the best of weather earlier, people come in clouds and rain. They are coming to get wet anyway,” Cook said.

“Exciting, unique, business opportunity to the right buyer. Could it be you?” reads the hand-printed sign attached to the concession stand where Cook talks and takes an order.

Margo Cook said she’s ready to end more than 20 years as chief mermaid operating Barefoot Beach, formerly known as Outlet Beach.

She and her late husband, Bill, started running the family business in the early 1980s. When Bill Cook died a few years ago, Margo Cook tried to sell the beach business, but that didn’t work out, and so she’s running it again.

The unique beach is owned by the United Society of Shakers, which leases the land. Other lease arrangements include 29 cottages along West Shore Drive and Outlet Beach that have been part of a beach commune established during the 1930s.

The beach community concept began in the late 1920s when Brother Delmar Wilson’s idea came to fulfillment, said Brother Arnold Hadd of the Shaker Village.

“Brother Delmar saw this as a potential, so the community could pay its taxes.”

After the first beach tenant built the current concession stand, Ruth and Don Packard took over the beach business and rented a few cottages across the street to visitors in the summer.

Brother Arnold said the beach business also includes the boat launch onto Sabbathday Lake. “The two go hand in hand.”

The Shakers have no plans to sell the land, nor do they plan to see the beach property developed for cottage use.

“There are just too many things to do for a single person,” said Cook.

It’s great for a couple or a family.

The beach business includes the snack bar, beach admission, beach rentals and equipment, the boat ramp and aspects.

“Serious inquiries only,” said Cook. She has no set price on the property, but will give a nondisclosure statement and is open to any offers.

“The leases have a long record of renewal,” she adds.

Cook may be found at Barefoot Beach, sometimes barefoot.