MAPLETON, Maine — Mapleton Daze weekend starts Wednesday, June 27, and ends Sunday, July 1, with a sunrise service at 7 a.m. with Wendell Hudson at the Mapleton Hall.
Committee members said they are excited about this year’s activities, having incorporated new and exciting events and items thanks to generous donations from area businesses and individuals. As a result, almost everything but food and vendors is free.
Wednesday, June 27
From 6-7 p.m. a bike rodeo will take place at the Mapleton Elementary School, where kids can receive instruction on safe bike riding and the proper way to wear their helmets. Those who bring their bikes will receive a free helmet.
At 7:30, Family Movie Night at the school yard will feature “Ferdinand” with popcorn and water provided.
Thursday, June 28
The annual Woodie Waddell Memorial Cribbage Tournament begins at 7 p.m. downstairs at the Mapleton Lion’s Hall, with coffee and donuts provided.
Bingo will get underway upstairs, with prizes for all ages. Refreshments will be provided.
Friday, June 29
The Lions will serve their chicken barbecue at the Mapleton School from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Take-out will be available. The Mapleton United Methodist Women will serve homemade pies and coffee. The United Baptist Youth Group will feature homemade ice cream, and will sell fireworks 3D glasses for $1.
The annual fireworks display will take place at dark.
Saturday, June 30
Breakfast with a View will start at 7 a.m.: a hike up Haystack, with breakfast at the top, sponsored by the Aroostook County Action Program. From 7 to 10 a.m., area churches will host free breakfast at the Post Office; please bring a non-perishable item to donate to the community food cupboard. At 7:30, Ashley Nadeau will hold “Pop” Pilates at the school; bring a yoga mat and water.
At 10 a.m., the parade and bike parade will begin. Kids may decorate their bikes and be at the Pool Road at 9:30 a.m. Participants for the regular parade will start lining up at 9 a.m. at the Dudley Road.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club will give tractor train rides for the kids, there will be free horse rides at the school, and the Haystack Historical Society will be open with homemade pie and ice cream for sale.
The school yard will feature activitites from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., including games for all ages, bouncy house, GForce 27’ Cliff Hanger Slide, and Wipe Out balls. There will be food and craft vendors, a raffle of wagons, trikes, 16”, 20” and 26” bikes (free tickets), pool noodle games, a rope-tying exhibit and more.
The Lions will host a baked bean supper at the Hall from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. with music by Jake Graham. From 8 p.m. to midnight, there will be dancing with local deejay music.
