In this aerial image of Machias, you can see the newly-lit town Christmas tree on the lower left, the lights of Bad Little Falls Park on the right, and all of Machias expectantly lit to join in the fun of last night’s Annual Parade of Lights. It was a stunner. To see more of Ryan Malagara’s magical photography of the event, click here.

One Big Weekend

A relatively brief postcard from Washington County today, and partly to tell you about some real postcards from Washington County. But first, an update from Way Downeast.

Though Christmas events will continue all month, yesterday was the epicenter of holiday activities across Washington County, with full days of fun in nearly every town. With it still being early in his busy season, Santa had time to visit Jonesport, Milbridge, Machias, Lubec, Calais, and Eastport.  

Together with our UMaine Black Bear son and his girlfriend, Abbie, the Dedmons made the rounds starting with the 50th Annual Downeast Community Hospital Craft Fair which we never miss. More than 10 years ago, as a homesick New England expat living in Dallas, I often attended the local “craft” fairs only to be disappointed by a lack of anything homemade. I thought then that economic changes had permanently ended the era in which people sold hand-crocheted ornaments, or hand-sewn potholders in a church basement, or school gymnasium, and maybe they have in other places.

But not here.

Aerial images by Ryan Malagara are shown alongside my photos of the craft fair, the musicians at the library, children with Santa, and one of 4Shore Construction’s MANY decorated machines in the Parade of Lights. Machias Town Manager Bill Kitchen shared the photo of a hanging lit Christmas tree above this week’s Wesley Tree Festival, and one of Helen’s Restaurant owners Julie and David Barker by their parade-ready MG. It’s not easy to see, but the Grinch is handing out onions instead of the customary parade candy. Perfect!

We next stopped by Porter Memorial Library for mulled cider, books, and music by the old stone fireplace. You can see a snippet of the joviality here. Then, of course, the Wesley Tree Festival, where we joined hundreds (more likely, thousands!) of others in hopefully dropping tickets for a chance to win trees laden with thousands of dollars in gifts. If you’re reading this locally, and early, you still have your chance! The festival will continue until 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3.

Named for Wesley Keeton of East Machias,  who passed away at the age of four, the Wesley Foundation’s proceeds from the festival, and all of their fundraisers, are deployed entirely on behalf of Washington County youth. Earlier this year they announced their most ambitious service project yet when they purchased the historic Sylvan Fairgrounds, located across from Down East Community Hospital. Yesterday, the Foundation revealed plans to create an outdoor recreation complex that includes baseball, soccer, basketball, beach volleyball, horseshoes, a playground, and so much more. You can see their design here. 

On the same weekend last year, my local family plus one of my sisters and nieces journeyed around to all of the same events. We were together to surround my father, who lay at Down East Community Hospital, where he was taken by ambulance three days after Thanksgiving. The cheerfulness of the day plus the support of the friends we saw around town helped to lighten a frightening week. A craft fair conversation with two friends whose own parents had or were currently on a dementia journey stands out as a particular balm.

My father, Douglas Craighead, at his 80th birthday last April. Safe to say I inherited my love of cake from him. I can’t remember how many layers I put in this mocha cake — 5, 6? — but it was one short of his dream height. He didn’t mind one bit. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

My father, Douglas Craighead, died a few days after last year’s Machias festivities, on December 5, 2022. Yesterday I saw my craft fair friends again, one who had already lost her parent, and the other, who just lost her mother in October. Though we had not seen one another for a year, we spent a meaningful 30 minutes sharing our grief, and our sympathy.

For so many of us, maybe all of us, the holidays can be a mixed blessing. I’m no expert but the trick, I suspect, is to make room to occupy two places, two feelings at once. And to accept the support you are offered, wherever you may find it.

Even at a craft fair.

May your December bring you glimmers of unbidden joy.

Postcards, in real life

 I love Christmas mail, and in my adult life, I’ve rarely missed a year of sending Christmas cards. Preferably with red envelopes. I’ve noticed the tradition is waning, but we are still staunch devotees, and maybe you are too.

This year, to celebrate the launch of this website, the Way Downeast Podcast, and these digital Postcards from Washington County, I’ve created three actual postcards based on Washington County. Two of the postcards feature the 1970s postcard photography of Ken Tudor, and one features a charming image from the collection of the St. Croix Historical Society. I intend to add more towns to the collection year by year.

If you would like to receive one from me or have me send one to someone you love, just fill out this form. I’ll enjoy writing to you, and if you’d like to write to me, great! You can drop me a line at PO Box 61, Machiasport, ME 04655.

‘Tis the season to think of others. Don’t miss my interview with three people working tirelessly to keep Washington County fed. Some of our neighbors are hungry. Learn how you can help. You can listen from any device by clicking the photo above, or find Way Downeast on all major podcast platforms, such as Apple, Google, Amazon, and Spotify. Want to help more people find my work? Give the podcast a review on any of those apps!

Another postcard-worthy image, this one of beautiful Lubec in winter, c. 1910, from the collections of the incredible Tides Institute & Museum of Art in Eastport. Note the horse-drawn sleigh at lower left.

We enjoy sharing our love of Washington County, Maine, so much that we’d honestly do it for free. In fact, we do! But we wouldn't say no if you wanted to buy us an oat milk macchiato for our troubles. Now you can donate through the mail (see PO Box below), PayPal, or Stripe!

Thank you for your support.