Whiting, Maine -
Blackfly Commemoration

This is a half-hour commemoration of the deaths of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Maine black flies. They died drowning in paint when the new owners, in May 2000, repainted the signs to the business - The Puffin Pines. This year, there were readings, discussions, and refreshments. In previous years (this occurs the first Saturday each June), there have been songs, prayers, protesters carrying placards, etc. There always is refreshments. I have attended each of the past four years - 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. Maine humor for sure. [Mike McCabe, 06/21/2004]