Today we are starting Asa’s World Tour of Maine 2024 in Wales! According to Maine: An Encyclopedia, it was settled sometime around 1773 by European colonists from Wales in Great Britain, and incorporated as a town in 1816. I also found a reference that it was once briefly called Bloomingboro in 1780, but officially changed to Wales the following year. This rural community boasts a population of 1,608 in the 2020 census.
Chuck Billy: Due to that “incident” on last year’s tour, that we are not allowed to discuss, I thought it would be best to start this summer’s tour of Maine with a benefit concert for animals. Although I’m not sure any animal truly benefits from Asa’s singing.
Asa: Save the whales, cool! But shouldn’t there be an “h” in that name if this is for rescuing whales? And isn’t this town inland and not near the ocean? I never heard of pond whales before. Guess they really do need rescuing!
Chuck Billy: Well actually, I thought you could perform for those cows in the pasture located next to the Wales municipal complex. After all, our governor recently proclaimed June to be Maine Dairy Month! These hard working cows and dairy farmers deserve a shoutout for their contribution to Maine’s agricultural heritage and economy.
Asa: I don’t know. They look like a tough audience to amoose, even with my mooooving power ballads. I don’t suppose you have a backup plan for today’s tour stop?
Chuck Billy: I had a feeling you’d be udderly impossible to work with, but seriously, have I ever steered you wrong? Of course I have a backup plan! We are headed next to Vaughan Woods in Hallowell, Maine! NOT to be confused with Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick, Maine.
Asa: Now you’re talking! This place is truly inspiring, with its waterfall and fields. I feel a parody coming on of TLC’s “Waterfalls!” “Don’t go chasin’ cows at waterfalls, Please stick to the rivers and the trails that you’re used to…”
Chuck Billy: Whoa! Stop! We don’t actually have permission to perform here at their “main stage,” near the historic dam and stone bridge, along this carriage trail. Besides, your parody is awful!
Asa: Awful? I was just getting started! You do realize the creative mind needs time to craft a good song.
Chuck Billy: Well you just use the time to work on that quietly, as we walk over to this less frequented footbridge, first built in 1840 and improved by the Vaughan family in 1930.
Asa: *still singing TLC* “A lonely cow grazin’ out in the field, staring at the hay that she eats for lunch…” The acoustics here are great! It is like my own catwalk in an amphitheater located between these two steep hills! I say we are off to a great start for Asa’s World Tour of Maine 2024!
