‘A bit of Americana’: Hundreds attend annual ice cream social on Bailey Island

A crowd of around 450 people made their way to Bailey Island Library Hall on the Fourth of July for the Mingo Club’s ice cream social, where empty seats and parking spots were few and far between on a beautiful summer afternoon.

The event, an island tradition since 1976, includes free ice cream, a raffle, and kazoos for attendees to enjoy. This year, attendees buzzed through “God Bless America” and “God Bless the U.S.A.,” among other patriotic tunes. 

“It’s just a bit of Americana — an old-fashioned ice cream social,” said Mingo Club President Helen Kitchel. “It’s such a community event.”

Mingo Club volunteers Elise Lewis, left, and Heather Logan hand out kazoos during the club’s annual ice cream social at Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. The club uses the proceeds to maintain Library Hall and give grants to Harpswell students. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

Avery Descheneaux, left, and Sophie Logalbo pet a dog during the Mingo Club’s annual ice cream social at Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. About 450 people attended the event. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

From left, Avery Descheneaux, Sophie Logalbo, Julie Raines, and Linda Descheneaux play kazoos on the lawn in front of Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. The group played “God Bless America” and other patriotic songs during the Mingo Club’s annual ice cream social. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

Jeff and Deb Sandler eat ice cream on the steps of Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. The Mingo Club has held an annual event since 1976, although it has evolved from a strawberry festival to an ice cream social. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

Mingo Club volunteers Linnea Lawrie-Lawson, left, and Nancy Bennett hand out spoons and napkins during the club’s annual ice cream social at Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. The Mingo Club was established in 1906 by girls who belonged to a book club but wanted a library. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

From left, Jesann, Abner, and Connor Adley enjoy ice cream at Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. The Mingo Club’s annual ice cream social became an outdoor event after the coronavirus pandemic and has remained so since. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

Robert Freson attends the Mingo Club’s annual ice cream social at Bailey Island Library Hall on July 4. Freson, a photographer who took portraits of world leaders and celebrities, has donated all the ice cream for the event for the last two years. (Brendan Nordstrom photo)

For the past two years, Bailey Island resident and well-known photographer Robert Freson has sponsored the event, paying for the ice cream and supplies with a $2,000 donation.

“He’s the real star of the event,” Kitchel said. “He’s a lovely, lovely person.”

Proceeds from the event support the maintenance of the historic Library Hall and educational grants for graduating Harpswell seniors.

In addition to raising money, the event brings neighbors and a community together.

“Everyone enjoys it. It’s a lot of work, but we all love doing it,” Kitchel said. “All the patrons are all just so happy when they’re here.”