DEAR SUN SPOTS: My family and I are trying to remember the name of the little yellow diner that hung out over the canal on the corner of Main and Canal streets in Lewiston. I know it was there in the early 1980s but am not sure when it was torn down. Thank you for your help. — K.J.S., Monmouth

ANSWER: For an answer to this question, Sun Spots turned to her colleagues, longtime Lewiston-Auburn residents Bill and Heather McCarthy.

Bill remembered that it was called the Knotty Pine Grill, and Heather turned up an Aug. 17, 1990, story that said that at that time it was owned by the state and scheduled to be torn down as part of road repairs on the corner of Main and Canal streets.

Bill said that there was a Looking Back entry that showed the diner was still in business in 1980, so your timeline is on target.

Readers will undoubtedly be able to fill in some gaps and offer their memories.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: A week or so ago I recall reading something about a Christmas program to be held at the Franco Center to benefit, I believe, Loaves & Fishes.

I failed to jot down the information as to when it is taking place and what time. Could you provide this information? Thank you so much for the wonderful work you do. — Rose, Lewiston

ANSWER: That Christmas concert by Voices of Color will be at the Franco Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Other entertainers include the Chamber Choir from Lewiston High School and the Litchfield Senior Chorus and the Carol Bailey String Band. Mitch Thomas will perform master of ceremony duties as well as entertain.

You can read the Nov. 1 story about this event at sunjournal.com/news/encore/2013/11/23/voices-color-will-perform-dec-1-franco-center/1446238

DEAR SUN SPOTS: On senior citizens day (Oct. 1) at the Fryeburg Fair, four of us seniors went to the fair, arriving about 10:30 a.m. on a hot and beautiful day.

As we turned to go into the infield to park as we do every year, we were stopped and told it was full, so we had to park up on the road on someone’s lawn, which cost $10.

We walked down. It took a while, as it was pretty warm. Two of us had canes. We entered and walked to where we usually park and there were more than 37 places to park. So why was it full?

Are they playing favorites? I have Maine plates, or do they prefer out-of-staters instead? Thanks in advance. — Veteran, No Town

ANSWER: Sun Spots called and emailed with Fryeburg Fair President Roy Andrews, but never received an explanation. Perhaps there is none beyond a simple misunderstanding?

Did you have handicapped plates or a placard? Did the person directing traffic know that walking was difficult for some of your party? 

Sun Spots predicts that, thanks to your letter, next year fair officials will be much more alert to this issue and make an effort to accommodate those who need close-in parking.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I work for the animals at the animal shelter in Lewiston. I am knitting blankets for the cats in the shelter. If you know someone who has four-ply yarn (not cone) that they don’t use, please call me at 777-1593.

I don’t have a car. If you could bring the yarn to me, I will pay for your gas. I enjoy knitting. It passes the day. — Germaine Nolan, Lewiston

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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