Town Remembers Teen, Holds Celebration

The town of Warren was trying to move forward on Sunday, two months after the disappearance of 15-year old Molly Bish.

Investigators are still sorting through dozens of leads in the case.

And even though it is Labor Day weekend, the community gathered on the town common for a delayed Fourth of July celebration. The one scheduled for July was postponed because of Bish's disappearance.

NewsCenter 5's Cara Birrittieri reports that several hundred people gathered on the town common for the festivities, many fewer than normally show up for the town's annual Fourth of July gathering. Games and clowns entertained children, and the adults worked to come to grips with Bish's disappearance.

Although some may have found it difficult to celebrate in light of the circumstances, those in attendance tried to put on a happy face.

"It's very hard to have a good time," said Steve Fountain, who had worked as a volunteer searching for Bish. "And I'll bet there's some people who are here who are just faking it."

But the celebration was good for the town, he said.

"I think that if you can force yourself to kind of let loose and let some of the anxiety and tension that had been built up over this whole thing, slide a little, it's good for everyone."

Others emphasized that the town needs to show the kids that life goes on, and that the community cares for each one of its children.

The festivities were scheduled to wrap up with fireworks at dusk.

Previous Stories:

• August 31, 2000: Bish's Classmates: We Won't Give Up
• August 31, 2000: Warren Schools Ready For Students' Return
• August 26, 2000: New Suspects Interviewed In Bish Case
• August 24, 2000: Detectives Removed From Bish Case
• August 03, 2000: Loved Ones Mark Missing Teen's Birthday
• July 27, 2000: State Police Cadets Help In Bish Search
• July 3, 2000: More Detectives Join Warren Search
• June 29, 2000: Town Prays For Teen's Safe Return
• June 29, 2000: Search For Missing Lifeguard Continues