ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The summer festival season continues Friday, July 28, to Sunday Aug. 6, as the community of Island Falls celebrates its annual “Summerfest.”
This year’s theme for Summerfest is “Down on the Farm.”
“The summerfest has been going on over 20 years,” explained Ruth Frazier, Island Falls’ recreation director. “Volunteers are slim and hard to get but this year more have stepped up for a few events.”
She added collecting money for the town’s fIreworks show is always the toughest part of the festival. As of Tuesday, the town was still in need of just over $500 to fully fund its fireworks show.
The Brooks Equipment Family Fun Day is one of the most popular events for both young and old alike. The free event features a massive inflatable obstacle course, laser tag and bounce houses, as well as refreshments.
The kayak/canoe race has been changed to Sunday, July 30, after several requests were made to the town.
Among the new events are Cameron Clark’s chainsaw carving demonstrations; a plant swap; cribbage tournament; family rock painting; and a family kickball and movie night.
The annual road race will also see a change as the Walker family has turned the race over to the town to run. The Walkers have organized the race for about 24 years, Frazier said. The event will no longer feature pies given as prizes.
The following is a schedule of events slated for the Summerfest.
FRIDAY, JULY 28
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — KATAHDIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION DAY with prizes and refreshments.
4-7 p.m. — North Country Cruisers Antique Cars on display and a barbecue from 5-7 p.m. at G.R. Porter and Sons sponsored by Bowers Funeral Home and G.R. Porter and Sons (Rain date Sat. July 29, 3-5 p.m.)
9 p.m. (approx.) — Fireworks at VaJoWa. Sponsored by some area businesses and individuals (Rate date Saturday, July 29).
9:30 p.m. — DJ DANCE at The Slice, $3 each. 21 and up. ID required.
SATURDAY, JULY 29
9 a.m.- noon — Trash and Treasure Sale — Whittier Congregational Church.
10 a.m. — This-n-That Booth sales set up (Crafts and such only. No food booths.)
12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. — Family Fun Day (G-Force Lazer tag, Bounce House, Gaga Ball, 150’ Long Inflatable Obstacle Course) sponsored by Brooks Equipment.
1-5 p.m. — Sweets-N-Treats: Ice cream, popsicles and other goodies! Proceeds to benefit SACS Washington, DC trip.
3 p.m. — Cribbage Tournament at the United Baptist Church. FMI call 538-1397.
SUNDAY, JULY 30
Noon — Canoe/Kayak race registration $10 entry fee. Proceeds to benefit SACS Dollars for Scholars.
Noon — Flag Pole Dedication at the Island Falls Cemetery.
1 p.m. — Canoe/Kayak race at Birch Point. Lots of fun, food and prizes.
3 p.m. — Design, Wine and Dine at The Slice. $5 each person to Island Falls Playground Fund. Call 538-5995. Visit Design, Wine and Dine on Facebook.
6 p.m. — Chainsaw Carving demonstration. Visit Cam’s Chainsaw Carvings on Facebook.
MONDAY, JULY 31
6:00 p.m. — Celebrity Dinner at The Slice. $15 per ticket. A full course meal with dessert. Invite a friend and join the fun! Purchase tickets at The Slice or by contacting Ruth at 463-2263. Proceeds to benefit the Island Falls Playground Fund.
TUESDAY, AUG. 1
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.— Plant Swap Perennials at the Municipal building. Come swap your hostas, lilies, poppies, etc. or house plants.Dig up what you have, plant in a container you have on hand, stop by and swap. Each plant you bring, you can swap for another. For more information, call Cindy at 267-1499. Donations accepted and will be donated towards beautifying our town.
6:00 p.m. — Family Kickball on the ballfield behind the Municipal building. Just show up.
8-10 p.m. — Outside Movie Night. “Sing” will be playing. Concessions will be sold. Donations accepted at the door. Proceeds go toward RSU 50 Europe trip. For information contact Janet at 267-0236.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 2
10-11 a.m. — Read Across Aroostook at Katahdin Public Library. Stories, coloring and small gift. Children ages 10 and under accompanied by an adult.
1-2 p.m. — Cookies and Milk paint party at the Fish N Game Club. Adults are encouraged to paint. Children 8 and up accompanied by an adult. Donations accepted. FMI call 463-2504.
6 p.m. — Rock Painting at the Municipal building. Rock painters join together, share supplies and paint whatever you want. Rocks, canvas, whatever. Bring your own rocks and canvas.
THURSDAY, AUG. 3
10 a.m. until it’s gone — Free ice cream from Katahdin Trust Company as well as activities and prizes.
6 p.m. — Children’s Parade. All ages welcome. Dress up, decorate wagons, strollers, bikes, wheelers, trikes or walk. Prizes to be awarded to Best Overall entry. Best Themed Decorations and Best Imaginative Theme. Line up at Historical Society Road and finish at the Island Falls Municipal building.
7 p.m. — Grave’s Institute of Self Defense – Karate Open House at the Municipal building.
FRIDAY, AUG. 4
Noon-1:30 p.m. — Open House and cookout at R.H. Auto Sales.
6:00 p.m. — Pet Show in Loving Memory of Jarrica Rose Emery. Pre-register by calling 463-2263 or register at 5:30 p.m. before the show. All animals welcomed, but must be on a leash at all times. Prizes awarded for several categories. Come show off your pet. Admission: Adults $4; Kids/Students $2.
9:00 p.m. — Moonlight Golf $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Includes golf cart and 1 glow ball. Pre-register by calling 463-2128 by 8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 5
7-10 a.m. — Masonic Lodge No. 206 All you can eat breakfast. Adults $7 and kids under 10 years $4 on Library Street.
8:45 a.m. — Pie Run 5K run/walk and pie auction. Childrens’ fun run starts at 8:45 a.m. Entry fee $10 per person. Pre-register by emailing frazfamily@fairpoint.net or by calling 463-2263. Proceeds to be donated by the SACS 5th grade Boston trip and AGAPE Food Pantry.
9 a.m. — St. Agnes Sodality Food Sale at Jerry’s Thriftway until all items are gone.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — United Baptist Church Blood Drive, 64 Cleaves St in Island Falls.
12:00 noon
DUCK RACE 50/50 PURCHASE. Ducks will be launched off of the bridge behind the River Café at noon to free-fall into the great Mattawamkeag River, then will float through the rapids. The 1st Lucky Duck to cross the finish line is the winner. Sponsored by River Café. 50% will be donated to the Island Falls Rec. Ducks can be purchased for $3.00 each on Wednesday, Aug. 2nd or Friday, Aug. 4th from 12-2 p.m. or on the day of the race at 10 a.m.
3:00 p.m. — GAMES AT THE BALL FIELD behind the Municipal building. Prizes to be awarded. All welcome!
6:00 p.m. — ISLAND FALLS SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET/REUNION at the Municipal building. RSVP Becky by August 2nd by calling 463-2372 or emailing belvedere173@icloud.com
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6th
10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — ISLAND FALLS VFW BBQ – $9.00 a plate. FMI call Greg Hawk 365-6666 or Ted 463-2208.
1:00 p.m. — PARADE “DOWN ON THE FARM” THEME – 1ST, 2ND & 3RD PLACE PRIZES. Float entry must be theme based to be considered for prizes. Pre-register for the parade by calling Phil 463-2518. Line up starts at Merriman Rd. at noon. Parade goes to Willis Lane/Emera area.
AFTER PARADE EVENTS
AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING
THIS-N-THAT BOOTH SALES – $10.00 per space. Tupperware, Avon, Pampered Chef, Crafts, etc. Set up anything you want other than a barbeque.
TIM THE TUNE MAN will be performing outside at the Municipal building – weather permitting.
PONY RIDES, BOUNCE HOUSE, PHOTO CONTEST, BBQ, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES, RAFFLES, BOOK SALES, CRAFTS
Raffle for 1 Amish built 8×12 shed. Proceeds for donated to AGAPE Food Pantry. 1 ticket – $5.00, 5 tickets – $20.00. Free local delivery. Drawing late fall. For more information, call Bill or Anita Lane 463-2183.
AMATEUR PHOTO CONTEST
AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING
“Down on the Farm” themed photos – “FARM ANIMALS”, “OLD BARNS”, “KIDS ON THE FARM”. Submit photos in 1 or all 3 categories with your name and phone number on the back of all photos. UNFRAMED PHOTOS ONLY. 5×7 or 8×10 size are preferred but any size is accepted. Drop photos off to the Island Falls Town Office by noon, on Thursday, July 27th. Photos will be displayed throughout the week at the Municipal Building for Peoples Choice Voting. Prizes awarded in each category. No professional please, You’re responsible to pick up your photos the following week at the Town Office. For more information call 463-2263.
SPONSORS
ANAH INDY’S sponsored by Tony Bowers.
OTHER ANAH UNITS ATTENDING sponsored by Jeff Brooks Equipment and Summerfest.
FIREWORKS sponsored by many area businesses and individuals.Special thanks to VaJoWa for providing the grounds to display the fireworks for our community to enjoy. Show done by Maine Central Pyrotechnics, Hallowell, Maine.
For more information about any listing call 463-2263.
