“It’s amazing what a community, even a small one such as Stratton/Eustis, can do for a good cause.”

Event chairwoman Dianna Martin said Solar Blast, the townwide muscular dystrophy fund-raiser sponsored by the Flagstaff Area Business Association this past weekend, was a success.

“We met our goal of $3,000, and want to bring Solar Blast back another year, bigger and better,” she added.

Friday night’s Casino Night at Stratton Plaza was successful to the tune of nearly $400 in donations, but Saturday’s drenching rains and cool temperatures kept folks from participating in the Whatever Floats Your Boat Race and town scavenger hunt.

Crafters blamed the weather for the low number of shoppers turning out to view their wares, but the prospect of seeing a neighbor plunged into the icy waters of the dunk tank made for long lines at that popular event. Many of the folks waiting in the rain for their turn became just as wet as the good-spirited, if not long-suffering, volunteers.

“Evil for good works for me,” joked one participant as he aimed for the bull’s eye that, upon a direct hit, would plunge his friend into the tank of frigid water.

Saddleback Mountain Ski passes, Portland Sea Dogs tickets, fuel and certificates for area lodging or meals were some of the donated items up for auction Saturday night at Kern’s Inn. The auction began with an explanation to waiting bidders from event planner Cecile Lampron why FABA had chosen MDA as their favored charity.

“Arthur Williams was, before his death, a Stratton business owner, president of the Lions Club, community leader and one of the founders of the Flagstaff Area Business Association. He died of muscular dystrophy and we hold this event in his memory.”

Live music for the three-day event included DJ Dan Gagnon, Slim Andrews and the Cumberland Valley Boys and Gruve Box, who donated their time and talents to the occasion.