EAST NEW MARKET — East New Market Mayor Caroline Cline did not let a little drizzle stop her from celebrating the official opening of Phase II of Friendship Park – the walking trail. The ribbon cutting event coincided with the town’s annual Community Day and featured contests, food, and friendship. A light rain was not enough to keep the people and pets away from the camaraderie that is always a hallmark of an East New Market event. Tucked together under the roof of the Friendship Park gazebo, guests were welcomed by the mayor who said, “You’re all part of our community.” Ms. Cline singled out numerous people who have supported the town. The Easter Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) was instrumental in achieving the completion of two phases of Friendship Park. The Maryland Heritage Area Authority contributed $100,000 to the park project for land purchase. Executive Director of the Dorchester County Arts Center, Barbara Seese, said, “We’ve been talking for a long time about doing some outreach. We’re going to start in East New Market.” She explained that on the 2nd Saturdays in May, June, and July, 10 am-noon, the Center will bring a family art project for kids and adults to make art together – for free. Essie Keyser, representing Little Free Libraries, thanked Mayor Cline for her “enthusiastic endorsement of placing the second little free library in the county at this park and volunteering to act as the steward of the library.” Noting that the project offers free books she said the message is simple: “Take one, leave one.” The Dorchester County Health Department worked with the town to design and present a sign at the start of the walking trail. The mayor pointed out, “If you get tired doing the walking trail you have two places to sit and enjoy a quiet wonderful spot.” The two handsome, sturdily built wooden benches were placed strategically along the trail by resident Al Flaggs who constructed the benches as part of his Eagle Scout project. Despite the weather a ribbon cutting that officially opened the walking trail was the signal to start the contests. A bicycle parade featuring several bikes decked out with flowers and ribbons began simultaneously with the contest for first walker and canine to complete the trail. Dogs of all sizes were represented – all friendly; all eager to touch noses with other dogs and ready for a nice walk. Prizes were awarded for all manner of reasons: First biker, first walker and dog, and first walker/jogger. In the meantime there a Scavenger Hunt was in progress. There were prizes for guessing the number of macaroni pieces in a jar, for the first person to arrive at the event, for the second person; there was a prize for the newest resident and one for the oldest resident. Mayor Cline summed up the event by saying, “I’m so glad you’re here today because you’re all a part of this community. Because we’re all here with a common interest, you are now part of the tapestry that makes up this community.”