Western Mainers were treated to a smorgasbord of events and entertainment on Saturday as the greater Bethel area celebrated Mollyockett Day, sponsored by the Mahoosuc Arts Council.
This annual event commemorates the life of Mollyockett, a Pequawket Indian who lived in the Bethel area after 1770. Stories of her cures are a part of local lore.
Mollyockett Day, as promised, held something for everyone. The day began as tradition dictates with the Key Bank Mollyockett Day Classic Road Race: a one-mile stretch for children and a grueling five-mile climb up Paradise Hill for adults.
Local runner Fred Bailey outpaced the competition in the men’s race, winning convincingly with a time of 28:47. Women’s winner Anna Willard mastered the hill with a time less than 10 minutes behind Bailey’s pace.
For the car enthusiasts, the fifth annual Telstar High School Car Show displayed everything from antique cars to an assortment of Ford Mustangs, new and old. Some of these cars pleased spectators by also joining the Mollyockett Day parade, themed “Molly Gras.” Floats and participants proceeded up Main Street boasting the traditional purple, yellow and green of Mardi Gras.
A competition of the amphibian variety began the afternoon activities. The 23rd annual Western Oxford Country Frog Jumping Contest leapt into action as human “handlers” cajoled their frogs into motion, some with amazing success.
Sticking with the water theme, gamblers tried their luck at the Artists’ Covered Bridge in Newry where the duck race began. Hundreds of numbered yellow rubber ducks were released, purchased in a raffle by hopeful participants; the ducks bobbed and zagged their way down the river.
Constant musical entertainment set the festive atmosphere at the bandstand on the Bethel Green where listeners were treated to the sounds of the Mahoosuc Community Band, Roger Ticknell singing children’s songs, The Yet to Be Named Banjo Club, and Malinda Liberty and the Silver and Lace Band. The ninth annual Fiddlers’ Contest also brought great music, displaying the talents of fiddlers ranging in experience from beginner to accomplished.
Fireworks, sponsored by Dick and Gretchen Rasor and Les and Chris Otten, completed the 2005 Mollyockett Day festivities.
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