DANFORTH, Maine — Dig out your poodle skirts and leather jackets for a trip down memory lane to the 1950s as the town of Danforth celebrates its annual Summerfest Celebration.
The town will be bustling with activities starting Friday, July 27, beginning at 4 p.m. with a children’s bicycle parade, a family street dance with DJ from 4-7 p.m., and the popular Danforth Fire Department’s annual chicken barbecue at the fire station from 5-6:30 p.m.
Central Street will be closed to traffic starting at 4 p.m. to allow people to mill freely about downtown Danforth. An open mic/karaoke event takes place from 5:30-8 p.m. for anyone wishing to showcase their vocal abilities.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., a Crusin’ car show will be held for those residents who wish to show off their classic automobiles and from 8-9:30 p.m. contestants will compete in the Mr. North Country pageant at the town hall.
The festivities continue Saturday with a full day of events, many of which will be held at the East Grand High School athletic fields, including a 2.2 mile color run/walk starting at 8 a.m.
Also, vendors will display their wares at a craft fair at the town hall from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
“The events at the East Grand Athletic Field are rain or shine,” said Ardis Brown, town manager for Danforth. “We will be setting up for the American Legion supper and concerts there with stage and seating for 750 people under a tent.”
From 9-1 p.m. a Farmer’s Market will be held downtown. A flea market will be going on downtown at the same time.
At 10 a.m., the town’s annual Summerfest Parade winds its way through town with floats decorated in the theme of the 1950s. Children’s games and miniature train rides courtesy of Moose Maine-iah will be offered.
From 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Eastern Maine Electric Coop is hosting its annual meeting and will include a concert by “Every Other Sunday” at the ball field. From 1-4 p.m., Bingo games will be played at the Danforth Fire Station.
Other Saturday events include a horseshoe tournament; grocery kart races; a lawnmower rodeo; motorcycle ride-in; and an auction sponsored by the American Legion Rex L. McKenney Post 45.
“Saturday afternoon is focused on our local American Legion Post,” Brown said. “All proceeds will go to building a new honor roll for our veterans.”
A bean supper starts at 5 p.m., put on by the Legion, and from 6-9 p.m. the band “Rock Revelation” will perform on the ball field, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
On Sunday, a community breakfast will be held at the Danforth Pentecostal Church at 9 a.m., while a cribbage tournament starts at 9 a.m. at the American Legion Post.
There will be a number of food vendors in downtown Danforth throughout the weekend and a free shuttle service will be provided Saturday to take people from East Grand School to the downtown every 30 minutes.
For more information, call Brown at the town office at 448-2321.
