To the Editor:

Bethel Summerfest 2024 was a fantastic day in our community. Perfect weather, great and appreciative crowds, and a day filled with fun activities – made for the creation of wonderful memories. The chamber was excited to be hosting two former Olympians – Leslie Bancroft Krichko and Anna Willard Grenier, who graced a fantastic float built by Bennett Automotive & Power Equipment, and they joined a group of businesses and community organizations who also took the time to build floats and/or participate in the parade.

Thanks to all for their efforts! Congrats to the three parade winners: 1st place, Root Cellar; 2nd place, Bennett Auto & Power Equipment; and 3rd place, Sunday River Brewing Co. A huge shout out to River Lanes for allowing the parade to use their parking lot for the lineup, and thanks to them for their efforts in building a fantastic float!

This year’s event was truly a group effort. The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society provided a full array of children’s activities and games from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as exhibits and guided tours, including a presentation on the Evolving Legacy of Mali Agat (Molly Ockett). The Bethel Library offered their wonderful book sale all weekend – something that many of us look forward to.

An event of this complexity could not be possible without a ton of work, planning, and support from our wonderful sponsors. A huge shout-out to the following businesses: Mahoosuc Realty & Maine Ski Lodging Company; Oxford Federal Credit Union; Northeast Bank; Oxford Casino Hotel; Renewal by Anderson; the Rotary Club of Bethel; Stephens Memorial Hospital; Stonybrook Campground; the Sudbury Inn; Holidae House B & B; the Elizabeth Guest House & Restaurant; Mainely Provisions; Good Food Store & Catering Co.; Smokin’ Good BBQ; Bennett Auto & Power Equipment, and the Town of Bethel.

The grand set of fireworks was made possible by the Bethel Resort & Suites. Additional thanks to the River View Resort for providing lodging to one of our Olympians. Please stop by these businesses and thank them for helping to keep this long-held traditional festival alive! Additional key support was provided by Scott Sumner and the Town of Bethel Road crew; the Oxford County Sheriff Deputies, the Bethel Fire Department, Casella Waste Systems, Savage Portable Toilets, and Gould Academy. The event also benefited from a great group of volunteers.

Many thanks to Natasha Colby, Jennifer Merrill, Robin Bennett, Allie-Masten Williamson, Sara Hemeon, Emily Jamison, Laura and Richard Tummon, Ellen Wainwright, Stephen Leen, Kate Webb, Stephanie Cayer, Cindy & Ron Savage, Robin Zinchuk, Michael and Lucas Peterson, Jay Kiel, Suzanne Marshall, Tori Hicinbothem, and staff members Bobbi Vandenbuckle, Cathy Howe, Julia Reuter and Macky Chapman.

Robin Zinchuk

Transition Consultant 

Bobbi Vandenbuckle

Executive Director

Bethel