When the Marshall Tucker Band had to cancel due to testing positive to COVID-19, Jeanne Thorvaldsen and Ann Rogers of Rangeley Region Health and Wellness (RRHW) took it in stride. Sink or swim, they had no choice, so they swam, and they swam fast!

Think of it. After working to promote an event for a full year, just 4 days before the concert date, they then had to find a new band. They were extremely successful. Within the same day of finding out the unfortunate news, Houston Bernard came to the rescue. Ready, willing, and able, and having already entertained here back when he opened for Clint Black, a known crowd pleaser, we were lucky to have him fill in and 38 Special approved the change.

I have heard many such a story of people having to plan fun events like weddings or stressful events like surgeries, only for Murphy’s Law to become strengthened by Covid. Nowadays we all must adapt as best we can.

So, how did it go? It was a roller coaster ride. Before the Marshall Tucker cancellation, the weather looked great, the show was sold out, and the finish line could be seen just up ahead. Then, with the cancellation, it seemed like it might be a touch and go situation.

However, within 24 hours, spirits were up and people, including myself were searching for any available tickets for dear friends who wanted to join in the fun. I got the tickets thanks to a guardian angel, and we did indeed have a ton of fun. (Thank you, guardian angel!)

How much fun was had? Well, I posted about a hundred photos on our Facebook page, and probably took five times that, but you could go there and see for yourself. Seen here are just some of my favorites.

I take a lot of photos because I love seeing people have a great time. The event has become an annual event not only as a Rangeley Region Health and Wellness (RRHW) fundraiser, but also for groups of friends as an annual party night. There are pre-parties, after parties and basically, the whole town is ready for a good time.

The RRHW committees have been doing this for over 10 years and each year, with so many repeat volunteers the transformation from small town health club to concert venue has been increasingly successful.

Taking a look back on all of the previous benefit concerts, it’s really quite impressive.

•Foreigner (2 years) •Beach Boys •Doobie Brothers •Travis Tritt •Gregg Allman •Kenny Loggins •Josh Turner •Creedence Clearwater Revival •Clint Black •Steve Miller / Marty Stuart •The Guess Who •38 Special

It reminds me that we didn’t used to have these big annual summer concerts that we have now come to expect.

Further, what is it all for? How much have these benefit concerts done for our community? Do you recall what it was like before Rangeley Family Medicine? Before having a state-of-the-art fitness center? Before all the fun fitness events and children’s summer and after school programs?

Yes, we must adapt to changes, but we should never take our blessings for granted. Like the line in the popular hit “Hold on Loosely” by 38 Special, you don’t want to take anything for granted, because “…usually it’s too late when you, realize what you had”. So please, keep on supporting RRHW in any way you can whether it’s donating money, donating time, volunteering, or even if it’s just inviting everyone you know to next year’s concert! Hope to see you there and once again Thank you RRHW, local businesses and volunteers!

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