2012 Community Tour: Celebrating the Strength of Communities

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Payson Park

Baxter Blvd.
Portland, ME 04101
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Saturday, July 7, 2012
10:00 am-2:00 pm

Portland marked the GRAND FINALE of the 2,300 mile 2012 Community Tour Celebrating Cooperatives, Community & Volunteers.

July 7th marked the official International Day of Cooperatives and the Grand Finale to the 2012 Cabot Community Tour.  Once again we avoided storms and Payson Park, alongside the Back Cove and looking out over the skyline of Portland, provided the perfect setting. 

Walter Fletcher, one of Cabot's 98 Maine dairy farmers, was on hand to welcome all.  One of our other local ME dairy farmers brought two calves for all to pat.  Both of our farmers were inundated with questions from all the kids.  

Over two dozen partners joined us, along with the inspirational Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus and some fantastic local food (think lobster rolls from the Maine Lobster Festival, fried clams from the Yarmouth Clam Festival, fresh shrimp from Port Clyde Fresh Catch and wonderful, fresh offerings from Local Sprouts Coop).

The CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association and our partner from the Rappahannock Electric Coop joined us to release over 200 globes which were kept bouncing in the air by hundreds of enthusiastic attendees. 

The local AARP office was joined by our partner from the VA AARP office who came up with the ribbon idea to highlight the “ribbon tree”, showcasing the ribbons from each of the Tour stops.  Local interactive booths were hosted by the ME Credit Union Association and local credit unions, artisans from the ME Crafts Association, Portland Trails, Healthy Portland, WinterKids, Rippleeffect, Maine Island Trails and the East Coast Greenway and other community organizations which help make Portland the special area it is. 

Slugger, the Portland Sea Dogs mascot, was on scene handing out hugs and high fives.  Hannaford was a major partner, providing reusable cups and free water to all.  Recognizing the need to reduce our impact on the environment, Athletes for a Fit Planet were on hand to set up waste sorting stations for segregating waste generated at the event.  Over ¼ ton of waste was generated and after calculating waste to energy, this festival was recognized as a “zero waste” event. 

This was the end of the 2,300 mile bike journey for our three fulltime riders, and almost 40 folks joined with them for the final ride in, some coming from Boston, some from Biddeford and some joining in as they rode through Portland.  Armed with noise makers, all the attendees, along with the wild Extraordinary Rendition Band, greeted them as they entered the Park.  It was a fitting ending to a spectacular Tour!

Community tour partners

Farmers, cooperatives, credit unions and volunteer groups celebrate those who give their hearts, time and skills to strengthen our communities.