ISLAND FALLS, Maine — On Sunday, Tasha Harris of Brunswick was spending the weekend at a cabin that family friends rent every few years at Birch Point Campground when she learned that she had arrived at the start of the Island Falls Summerfest.
“I was really excited,” she said. “We will be staying throughout next week, too, so the kids are deciding what events they want to participate in.”
Summerfest has occurred for more than 20 years in Island Falls, according to Recreation Director Ruth Frazier.
Island Falls, Maine — Abigail Farnsworth, 8, of Buxton, paddles in a kayak at Birch Point Campground in Island Falls on Sunday, July 29. The Island Falls Summerfest began on Friday, July 27, and included the Around The Pond Kayak/Canoe Race at Birch Point Campground on Sunday, which was hosted by the Island Falls Lake Association. (Jen Lynds)
This year’s celebration kicked off with a car chow by North Country Cruiser’s Antique Cars on Friday, along with a barbeque and music, a family fun day on Saturday and fireworks at the VaJoWa Golf Course.
On Sunday, the festival featured the 25th annual 4K walk/5K run as well as the Around The Pond Kayak/Canoe Race at Birch Point Campground, which was hosted by the I.F. Lake Association. The campground was a busy place Sunday, with families from southern and coastal Maine, Alaska and Hawaii on vacation there, and some participating in the kayak and canoe race.
Francis LaCroix of Belfast was visiting friends at Birch Point and considering joining the canoe race. He enjoys coming to the campground several times each summer, as he has several friends who routinely camp there.
“It is a real gem in this community,” he said.
The Island Falls Summerfest will continue this week. Youth photography and art contests will be ongoing throughout the week. The celebration will culminate Sunday, Aug. 5 with a parade. This year’s theme is, “Picnic with Friends,” with cash prizes awarded for the top three floats. Floats must be theme decorated to be considered for judging. Pre-register by calling Phil 463-2518. Line up on Merriman Road at noon. Parade ends at Emera/Willis Lane area.
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- Grace Velardi, 8, of Middlefield, Connecticut, paddles her kayak at Birch Point Campground in Island Falls. During the Island Falls Summerfest, which began on Friday, July 27, Birch Point was the site of the Around The Pond Kayak/Canoe Race, which was hosted by the Island Falls Lake Association. Summerfest continues through Aug. 5. (Jen Lynds)
