DANFORTH, Maine — The town of Danforth held its annual Summerfest the weekend of Aug. 6-8, providing food, fun and games to residents of the northern Washington County town.
The town had managed to hold the festival last year, albeit in a limited fashion due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the event was returned to its full schedule, featuring events such as a chicken barbecue hosted by the town’s fire department and late night concerts, as well as fireworks.
“We had much more people this year, of course, because last year we really scaled it back,” said Ardis Brown, the town manager for Danforth. “This year we had a lot of activities, it was great because we started Saturday morning with a fishing derby, which is a nice and natural outdoor event.”
As with last year, the Summerfest included a parade starting on Bancroft Street and making its way around the town, featuring fire engines, ATVs and the Anah Shrine clowns. The parade was followed by various games such as the three-legged race and egg toss, and a scavenger hunt and lemonade stand at the East Grand Health Center.
Harry Kinney, a long time resident of Danforth, was at the event after not attending last year, being part of an “Advice from Old Timers” booth held on Central Street right by the town office.
“I’ve been everywhere and seen everything,” he said. “Now I’m content to just sit on my front porch on East Grand Lake.”
Kinney also reflected on how the town has changed in the time since he’s been alive, going from an economy based on logging to one based on tourism.
“The lake has really saved this town,” he said. “I don’t think we would be able to afford the school, and we’re in a position where the school is in pretty good shape.”
At 6:30 p.m., the town unveiled a new Veteran’s Memorial to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. The monument was done on behalf of the American Legion in Danforth, replacing an older memorial that had become worn down.
“We had a lot of people who put in a lot of time to get this thing done,” said American Legion member Jimmy Golden. “The town gave us money over the last three years, and the masons at the Grand Lodge in Maine gave us some money as well.”
The Saturday festivities ended with a band concert and fireworks display, both of which went off successfully despite rain briefly stopping the festivities.
DANFORTH, Maine — August 9, 2021 — The new Danforth War Memorial, which was unveiled at the Danforth Summerfest held on Saturday, August, 7. (Photo courtesy of Ardis Brown)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 9, 2021 — Kids riding ATVs and dirtbikes take part in the Danforth Summerfest parade. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 9, 2021 — Members of the Anah Shrine clowns march as part of the Danforth Summerfest parade. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 9, 2021 — Sparky the Fire Dog poses during the Danforth Summerfest parade, held August 7 in Danforth. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 9, 2021 — THe Danforth Summerfest Parade makes its way down Houlton Road in Danforth. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 9, 2021 — Descendants of Barney and Mary Fitzpatrick wave during the Danforth Summerfest parade on Saturday. (Alexander MacDougall | Houlton Pioneer Times)
