WILTON — Shannon Smith, a dedicated community volunteer from Wilton, may have retired from one volunteer endeavor, but she is still committed every day to her community volunteerism.

She was honored by Franklin County commissioners with the Spirit of America Award for her three decades of service and leadership on June 21, 2023. It is given to individuals and organizations for dedication and volunteerism in their communities.

Smith’s dedication goes beyond event logistics; it’s deeply personal. “Volunteering is a way of life for me,” she explained. “Whether it’s organizing Bag Bingo fundraisers or coordinating the racing blanket program at the Farmington Fair, I’m always looking for ways to give back. Each initiative allows me to connect with my community on a deeper level and make a difference in people’s lives.”

Smith’s remarkable philanthropic commitment includes chairing the Wilton Blueberry Festival for an impressive 30-year tenure. Reflecting on her extensive volunteer work, Smith shared, “The Wilton Blueberry Festival has been a labor of love for me. It’s not just about the festival itself; it’s about bringing our community together to celebrate our local heritage and support important causes. Over the years, we’ve expanded the festival to include diverse events that appeal to people of all ages.”

“It’s been a great journey watching the festival grow,” Smith said. “I had a great time, but thirty years is a long time,” she said when asked about retiring after 30 years.

When asked about a favorite memory from the festival, she chose Wilton’s bicentennial. “In August of 2003, during the bicentennial of Wilton, I reached out to every Wilton town in the United States and internationally, inviting them to send a representative to Wilton, Maine,” Smith said. “One notable attendee was the mayor of England, who was impressed with the Maine community spirit.”

In addition to her work with the Wilton Blueberry Festival, she has an impressive list of volunteer work in the community.

One year Smith and her team of volunteers had the Vietnam wall [officially known as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial] transported to Kineowatha Park and it was there for 10 days. Over 10,000 people signed the guest book. She said the wall had to be watched 24/7. The Vietnam wall is a traveling wall that travels all over the U.S. “There are two,” Smith said. “We had the original one for 10 days.” She said there were certain rules that had to be followed, “You could only have chalk one inch wide to rub on the stone,” Smith said.

“It was moving to see people come up to Kineowatha Park and then stand by the road … veterans who were so emotional they couldn’t walk closer to the wall,” Smith said. “Most of them would eventually come in.” She said many people came during the middle of the night to see the special nighttime lighting.

“In August 2014, we had the medical inflatables come to Kineowatha Park,” she recounted. “Wilton was the first town to host all four of the medical inflatables – the lung, brain, heart, and body. It was incredible to see the community engage with these educational resources and learn more about their health.”

That year 4,000 toothbrushes and care packages with dental floss were given out, she said.

Smith is involved with the Farmington Fair as well. She said it was the first fair to offer the winner of the horse races a horse blanket. She has donated over 3,650 horse blankets to winners of the races for almost 40 years.

“The announcer will announce what the blanket says at the race. On the corner it says Farmington Fair,” Smith said. “Every horse that races at the Farmington Fair gets a blanket. This is my 39th year doing this. The program is 40 years old; I just didn’t do the first year. If a horseman comes, they know they will get a blanket. They are worn for the race circuit.” The blankets are also referred to as ‘coolers’ said Smith.

Another initiative Smith is part of is Buttons for Babes. She had on a button bracelet and showed off the design of the chosen buttons for that particular bracelet. “Buttons for Babes offers bracelets made from buttons priced at $5 per piece,” Smith said. “I have a lot of elderly ladies in their 80s and 90s who make these bracelets and do craft fairs.”

She said the money raised goes to the food pantries at the school and the children’s task force. “We have been able to give $500 to $1,000 dollars per year to them. It takes a lot of bracelets at $5 per piece,” Smith said.

Smith is also part of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, and the Gerry Wiles food program. “We were able to give out 92 food cards for the grocery store for the Thanksgiving meals,” Smith said. She said they also gave money to nine food pantries.

Regarding the Bag Bingo fundraiser Smith proudly shared, “With the proceeds from Bag Bingo, we were able to give out seven scholarships for kids at Mt. Abram and Mt. Blue for college, each worth $1,000. It’s immensely rewarding to support the educational aspirations of our youth.”

Smith said at the Bag Bingo Fundraiser they give baskets for prizes.  She said they get 31 bags of all sizes and shapes and Farmington Emblem members fill them.  She said they then go to businesses and ask for sponsors for the bags, which helps with their general account. Items in the bag each have a theme, like towels, cookware, gardening, snacks, school supplies, St, Patrick’s Day and more. It costs $20 to play, and the baskets are the prizes. The bingo winners can choose a basket of their choice.

Looking ahead, Smith said she is committed to her volunteer work and encourages others to join her in making a difference. “We all have the power to effect positive change in our communities,” she said. Smith said by working together, a brighter future can be created for everyone.

Smith encourages everyone to get involved with the community. She said she has noticed the number of volunteers has not been increasing. “Just get involved and you can make a difference,” Smith said. “I love seeing the end results. Teamwork makes it happen.

“The friendships formed during volunteering are everlasting. I give back and I know that I have made a difference.”

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