The other day this foolish, officially labeled “out of touch” sailor was lurking about in almost zero wind off the Gloucester Harbormaster’s landing, floating by as the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree was being erected.
Wow, what a labor of love and sweat it was. Folks unloading traps from trucks to the deck, then from the deck to the base of the tree. Then strong guys heft them up onto the lower levels, where other strong bodies belay them up into the still higher reaches of the steadily rising beast. Finally, the trap is handed off to the builder at the top who arrays it into a precisely figured spot, connecting each concentric circle before moving ever higher to the next smaller circle.
Why smaller? Because lobster trap trees are constructed just like domes in the Rennaisance Era, where as it rises higher, each level is placed slightly inward towards the center. The structure still supports the weight of the new level as it moves ever inward, while making the Christmas tree shape.
But what a titanic effort these volunteers make to achieve their yearly dream. They do it for all of us, for the city, for their kids, for Christmas! Dedicated is the word, dedicated to the task and to the ideal.
It is just one more diamond in the crown that sits atop the head of Gloucester. That dedication also lasts through its careful demolition process — those traps get used again in the water!
But the Trappist monks’ work aren’t the only diamond in that crown. It is one of dozens of similar jewels that dot our Gloucester community. Each one shines out its reflection back to the community.
Each is heartily conceived and carried out by its own cadre of dedicated volunteers — their cross to bear! There are many more that this discombobulated brain left out but feel free to chime in with any of them. They are different from each other but help form the mosaic that is the uplifting and fulfilling tableau that is our city’s rich lifestyle.
In no particular order, a salute to the people whose hard work and inspiration, yearly, make each individual effort possible. Hats off to the Fishbox Derby, Horribles Parade, Fiesta fireworks, Lighted Boat Parade, Harbor Loop Concerts, Backyard Growers, Santa Parade, Fiesta Committee and Middle Street Walk, and Finn Festival Week.
Also, the Cape Ann Symphony, Gloucester Maritime, Pride Stride, the individual church Christmas fairs, Gloucester Stage Company volunteers, Block Parties, Cape Ann Farmers Market, and the Lanesville Parade and Bonfire. The Howard Blackburn Challenge around-the-cape rowing race, First R Reading programs to elementary school kids. The Adventure, Thomas E. Lannon and Ardelle schooner volunteers, Greasy Pole, Wellspring House, Seine Boat races, Cape Ann Animal Aid volunteers, People Against Litter, Sidewalk Bazaar, Schooner Festival, The Open Door volunteers, the Kent Circle Christmas Tree installation and its lighting.
The Meetinghouse Music Concerts on the Green, Cape Ann Fleet Sail Racing organizers, the Grace Center, Sail GHS, Boulevard American flags, Stage Fort Bandshell Concerts and North Shore Arts Association volunteers. Sea Scouts, the SALT initiative, the many local Essex County Soccer league coaches and teams, Sawyer Free Library board and volunteers, floor hockey rink league and Cape Ann Frostbite sail races.
The Folk Life Festival, Legion Post 3’s Thanksgiving food delivery program, Fall Seaport Waterfront Festival, Awesome Gloucester, Cape Ann Museum volunteers, various marathon and 10K running clubs and the Gloucester Police Grow A Beard and community outreach programs. The Writers Center, Rocky Neck Cultural Center, all the community street garden projects, Hammond Castle volunteers, Fishermen’s Wives Association and Generous Gardeners.
Each of these groups, you might say Do-Gooders, are on a mission they believe is worth the countless hours they put in and the quality of Gloucester life they strive for.
Hence, our fabulous Lobster Trap Christmas Tree rising each year into the hearts and minds of little ones and oldsters like. It puts a twinkle in the eye that can be mirrored year-round in this sweet, wonderful island that is home and warm community to us all. No matter what any one councilor says.
Thanks to all who get involved with these exceptional efforts.
Gloucester resident Gordon Baird is an actor and musician, co-founder of Musician magazine and producer of “The Chicken Shack” community access TV show.