FORT FAIRFIELD — The organizing committee for the Maine Potato Blossom Festival has announced an expanded line-up of musical performances and new, exciting events scheduled for the annual nine-day celebration being held this year from July 11-19.
“The Maine Potato Blossom Festival has been one of the highlights of summer here in Aroostook County for more than 60 years,” stated Tim Goff, festival director. “Fort Fairfield and its residents, past and present, have embraced this celebration of our agricultural roots and close-knit community like none other, with dozens of volunteers working year-round to plan the more than 100 events that attract thousands of people to our town and The County.”
Goff said the festival is like a weeklong homecoming celebration. “Everyone, regardless of race, religion or creed is invited to take part and embraced like they are family. That is why we have sought to increase the scope and scale of the festival, so that more people experience this wonderful celebration and we can attract even more people from further afield to visit Fort Fairfield and the surrounding communities when summer is at its peak and the fields are full of beautiful blossoms as far as the eye can see.”
Highlights of the 2015 festival include an expanded lineup of music, with local bands on Thursday, July 16. Brian and Doug from Common Crossing will be followed by local favorites Wally and the Virginian.
On Friday and Saturday nights, July 17 and 18, part of Main Street will be closed down to add a more festive atmosphere. Singing cowboy, Del Shields, will bring his unique blend of music and storytelling to the Festival Main Stage Friday evening, followed by the Kelly Parker Band to power on into the night.
On Saturday, native son Tim Sample returns to his roots to perform for his hometown crowd before introducing acclaimed singer/songwriter Pete Kilpatrick. Headlining the festivities Saturday night will be Portland rock/funk legends Rustic Overtones.
Other new additions include a concert Friday afternoon by Rick Charette to dedicate the new community gardens at the old Community General Hospital, along with six performances Saturday and Sunday afternoon by Chris Clark, professional stunt cyclist who has performed at the X Games and Olympics and all over the country while spreading the word about bike safety and living a drug-free lifestyle as a professional athlete. Sunday at noon, VFW Post 6187 is encouraging participants to join a human foosball game.
In addition, a town-wide yard sale is planned July 11-12, and the week will include nightly entertainment at the Community Bandstand, a household pet show, an arts and crafts fair, a family-fun day featuring bounce houses and a movie under the stars, chess tournaments, athletic events, golf tournament, a baby and bike parade, potato picking contests and mashed potato wrestling.
The annual Maine Potato Blossom pageants are on tap, Goff said, along with “one of the largest parades in all of northern New England and a fireworks spectacular over the Aroostook River to cap the nine days of food and fun in friendly Fort Fairfield.”
For more information and a full listing of events, please visit www.fortfairfield.org/potatoblossom.html, or contact Goff at 472-3802 via email at tgoff@fortfairfield.org.
