ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The town kicked off its annual Summerfest Friday evening with a car show and fireworks display, but things really got hopping Saturday in the community thanks to a generous businessman.
For the past five years, Jeff Brooks, owner of Jeff Brooks Equipment Service, has sponsored a Kids Fun Day at the Island Falls Municipal parking lot, complete with bounce houses, face painting and laser tag.
“Seven years ago, the town had laser tag for Summerfest, but it was expensive and a lot of children couldn’t participate,” Brooks said. “So, I decided two years later that I would sponsor this event. We’ve tried to add more to it each year.”
This year a massive 20-foot obstacle course was added to the event, and was an instant crowd-pleaser as youngsters formed a long line to crawl their way through the course.
Free hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks also were provided to those who attended. Brooks said last year, they went through 70 pounds of meat and ran out, so this year they stocked up with 80 pounds.
Donations were accepted for the local recreation department’s Island Falls Playground Fund. In addition, a booth sold ice cream to raise money for an eighth-grade class trip and a raffle was held for the Agape Food Pantry.
Brooks, who also is a member of the Island Falls Board of Selectmen, said he felt it was important to give back to the community.
“It’s a way for us to give back to the community, and hopefully create some additional community spirit,” Brooks said. “We really want to bring more people to town to show them how wonderful Island Falls is. And it’s a way to get people cooperating and working together.”
Island Fall’ Summerfest continues through the week, culminating with a large parade Sunday at 1 p.m.
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- Ethan Webb of Island Falls fires a ball at an opponent during a friendly game of “GaGa Ball” Saturday during the Island Falls Summerfest Kids Fun Day. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Lloyd Phillips and Margaret Phillips (not pictured) of “BackWoods Barbecue” kept the free hamburgers and hot dogs coming Saturday at Island Falls Summerfest. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Jay Tweedie of Houlton is all smiles as he runs through the massive 30-foot inflatable obstacle course in Island Falls Saturday. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Katie Noyes, left, transforms Cooper Gardiner of Island Falls into “Spider-Man” during Saturday’s Island Falls Summerfest celebration. (Joseph Cyr)
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- Aliana Stevens of Merrill climbs through the large inflatable obstacle course Saturday in Island Falls. (Joseph Cyr)
