LIVERMORE – Final plans are moving forward for Livermore’s Birthday Party on Friday, Aug. 3. Boat parades and night light display will be staged on Long Pond. A birthday book is in preparation and stories and food lists are ready.

Everyone is welcome to the town event, beginning with a 3 p.m. birthday cake and punch served in honor of Billie Gammon’s 91st birthday at the North Livermore Baptist Church.

About 3:30 p.m. in the church auditorium Gammon will lead a time of sharing about the “Early Years of Norlands, 34 Years Ago,” examining how in 1973 Norlands Living History Center came into being.

Gammon said, “We will try to rediscover the secrets that led to the start of this great adventure, believing that if we managed to do it once, we surely must be able to do it again if we can just figure out the steps to assure a successful result.”

Livermore’s famous storyteller will remember when many local people pitched in to get the place opened up and made useful for the public.

“Exactly how did we do it? There was no money to start such a grand endeavor! Together we will try to remember the elements which made it possible. We will need the input of everyone as we try to recall the grand design,” she said.

To get the ball rolling, Gammon and her 91 years of memories will tell how she recollects the beginnings during 1973 and 1974. By the end of those two years all of Norlands’ signature programs were in place and running successfully: the four journeys for school groups, adult live-ins for college-age students and other adults, student live-ins, a four-day heritage festival and summer guided tours.

In the early years, the Washburn-Norlands Foundation board started with four major buildings in critical need of repair. Gammon has photos to document the church steeple mess on the ground, carriage shed ready to fall apart any day and bushes around the schoolhouse.

At 7 p.m. “muscle boats” – kayaks, canoes and paddle boats – will form a parade from Lakeshore Restaurant. A trophy will be awarded to the best decorated boat. In case of rain Friday evening, the outdoor events will be held Saturday at the same times.

At 8 p.m. power boats will gather at Lakeshore and parade around the end of Long Pond. Last year Santa Claus appeared on one boat. Ribbons and a trophy will be awarded.

About 9:15, at dusk, lights round the edge of Long Pond will appear, providing a light show. Three short honks on the air horn at Lakeshore will signal those who have sparklers to light up their shoreline. The committee hopes to round up enough donations in the future to have an old-fashion fireworks display at the Puddledock end of the pond.

Public access is available at Lakeshore Restaurant and at the Route 4 boat ramp. The sponsoring committee will have a small refreshment stand in the Lakeshore parking lot. Everyone is welcome to add their greetings and photos to the birthday book to be released Friday night. Proceeds will help cover expenses for the afternoon and evening events.

A display of old-time Livermore photos will fill the walls in the Lakeshore small meeting room and dining rooms.

Coordinating committee includes Dennis Stires, 897-4222; Tammy Castonguay, Lakeshore, 897-7100; Debbie Finley, 897-4457; and Don Newcomb, 897-2457.