This week contains the first official day of summer, which brings with it thoughts of barbecues, having lunch on the rocks, swimming off the rocks, making cairns with rocks of all sizes... and throwing rocks.

And, in these parts of Maine, thoughts of summer lead to the question, "When is the Orne's Candy Store International Rock Skipping Contest?"

This year, the ninth annual Rock Skipping Contest will take place on Saturday, July 7, with on-the-spot sign-up beginning at 9 a.m. and the first throw at 10 a.m. It all happens at the Boothbay Harbor footbridge parking lot. As is traditional, the proceeds from this event will benefit the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.

The contest – which is open to kids of all ages, regardless of their prowess in throwing rocks – is part of the history of the Webster family, owners of Orne's since 1960.

Participants should bring their own skipping rocks (we suggest at least seven), and – all important – a rock-skipping moniker/name. You can't skip without it, and you might not like the one we make up for you.

The divisions are girls 12 and under; boys 12 and under; adult women and adult men – 13 and up. Suggested donations: $5 for adults and $1 for kids 12 and under.

While people can sign-in the morning of the contest, there are other options: to pre-register at www.ornescandystore.com, click on the Rock Skipping symbol on the home page, download a PDF form, fill it out and send it in to Orne's Candy Store, 11 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; or, when you're in town, just step into Orne's Candy Store and add your name to the list on the inside of the front door. You can make your donation then or on the day.

As always, Orne's Candy Store will provide prizes for participants and winners. Everyone who enters the competition gets rock candy on a stick. The winner in each category gets the thrill of victory, a pound of Orne's Rocky Road Fudge, a handsome trophy created by Arthur Webster, your photo and name in the newspaper and your name added to the "chronicles of rock skipping legends."

So, think summer, think rock-skipping. Start practicing techniques, gather lovely, flat, round rocks... and register for the only rock-skipping contest in these parts.
For more information, call the candy store at 633-2695.