OTISFIELD – Barbara Kane, grand marshal of this year’s Otisfield Our Heritage Fourth of July Parade, ran the town office out of her home for 31 years.

Kane was the town clerk for 31 years, running the town office from her kitchen overlooking Moose Pond. Residents would register their car, get a hair cut and have a slice of homebaked pie all in one stop. Kane added to the family income with her home salon.

Kane noted the board of selectmen held their meetings in the board members’ homes. They switched from home to home for their meeting schedule. When she retired, the one-room Otisfield schoolhouse on Route 121 was converted into the town office. The town office is still in that building today.

Kane has three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her husband, Bob, served on many community committees and boards until he died earlier this year.

“I love this community,” Mrs. Kane said. “I love being involved in my community.”

Before the parade on Friday, July 4, the Spurrs Corner Church will offer breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. This year there are two pie contests: “Mom’s Apple Pie” and “Family Favorites.” Bake pies in a disposable pan, labeled with the type of pie, name and telephone number.

After winners are announced, all pies will be sold to raise funds for the Kerry Grover Memorial Fund. Pie donations to raise funds are welcome and do not have to be submitted in either contest. For more information, call George Galarneau at 890-4674.

In addition to ribbons, the grand prize pie contest winner will be awarded a day’s work from Damon Builders Handyman; winner to pay for supplies. First prize is a $50 gift certificate to Mills & Co., second prize a $25 gift certificate to Mexicali Blues and third prize, a $10 gift card to Shaw’s.

Parade set-up will start at 9 a.m. south of Spurr’s Corner Fire Station on Route 121 in Cutler’s field. Parade time is 10 a.m. and it will lead to the Spurr’s Corner Fire Station.

The event will continue at the fire station following the parade with a red, white and blue water salute by the fire department, music, a watermelon seed-spitting contest, face painting, pie contest and free popsicles and bottled water.

For more information, call Pat Dyer-Haggerty at 6276950 or Joanie Jacobs at 539-9969.