ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The annual Island Falls Summerfest celebration kicks off Friday, July 27, featuring 10 full days of events and activities for the young and young at heart.
This year’s theme for the popular Summerfest parade is “Picnic With Friends”
Summerfest has occurred for more than 20 years in Island Falls, according to Recreation Director Ruth Frazier.
She added collecting money for the town’s fIreworks show is always the toughest part of the festival. As of Tuesday, the town was still in need of just over $500 to fully fund its fireworks show.
The Brooks Equipment Family Fun Day is one of the most popular events for both young and old alike. The free event features a massive inflatable obstacle course, laser tag and bounce houses, as well as refreshments.
A schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, July 27
11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Katahdin Federal Credit Union Membership Appreciation with prizes and refreshments.
5 p.m. — North Country Cruiser’s Antique Cars, barbecue and music at Porter’s Garage, sponsored by Bower’s Funeral Home and G.R. Porter and Sons. Rain date July 28 at 3 p.m.)
Saturday, July 28
9 a.m. to 12 noon — Whittier Congregational Church Annual Trash n Treasure Sale.
10 a.m. — Children’s Music Recital at United Baptist Church.
Noon-5 p.m. — Brook’s Equipment Sponsoring Family Fun Day, with G-Force Lazer Tag and music — 150-foot long, 21-foot high Inflatable Obstacle Course, games, bounce houses, water slide for kids under the age of eight. Face painting with Katie Noyes; Free food and drinks with donations going to Island Falls Playground.
9 p.m. — Fireworks at VaJoWa Golf Course, sponsored by area businesses and individuals.
Sunday, July 29
8 a.m. — 25th annual 4K walk/5K run. Kids run starts at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $10 per person. Pre-register by emailing frazfamily@fairpoint.net or calling 463-2263. Proceeds to benefit Agape Food Pantry and Island Falls Playground.
1 p.m. — Around The Pond Kayak/Canoe Race at Birch Point Campground. Hosted by I.F. Lake Association. $10 entry fee. Proceeds to benefit SACS Dollars For Scholars.
4 p.m. — Games on the ball field Sponsored by Island Falls Summerfest and Recreation Department. Prizes awarded. All are welcome.
Monday, July 30
10 a.m. — 3 p.m. — Katahdin Public Library Book Sale through Aug. 2. (Daily)
Noon to 2 p.m. — Brick Garage Appreciation Day. Free small ice cream cone. Games and mini golf. Mini golf tournament starts on Monday running through the week. Rules and sign up at Brick Garage.
6 p.m. — Misfit Celebrity Dinner at The Slice Restaurant. $15 per ticket. Purchase tickets in advance at The Slice or call 463-2263. A full course meal with dessert will be served. Proceeds to benefit the Playground if all tickets are sold.
Tuesday, July 31
8 a.m.-2 p.m. — Plant Swap Perennials at Island Falls Municipal Parking lot. Come swap your hostas, lillies, poppies, or house plants. Dig up what you want to swap, plant in container and stop by. Each plant you bring you can swap for another. For more information call Cindy at 267-1499. Donations accepted and will be donated to beautifying the town.
6 p.m. — Family Kickball game on the ballfield behind municipal building. Parents versus children! Parents wear black, kids wear white. Rules will be announced before the game. Donations accepted for Rec sports programs.
Wednesday, Aug. 1
1-2 p.m. — Cookies and milk paint party at Fish and Game Club. Adults encouraged to attend and paint. Children attending must be accompanied by an adult. Donations accepted. For more information, call 463-2504.
2-4 p.m. — Bowers Funeral Home Open House displaying funeral home antiques.
5-6:45 p.m. — Touch A Truck. Join us and check out the inside and outside of all sorts of trucks, cars, and other equipment! Anyone wanting to display their vehicle or equipment show up by 4:30 p.m. at Municipal Building parking lot.
7 p.m. — Family Movie Night in the gym. CARS 3 will be showing. Concessions will be sold and donations accepted. Sponsored by Summerfest and Island Falls Recreation Department.
Thursday, Aug. 2
11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Katahdin Trust Company serving ice cream floats. Door prizes and giveaways.
5:30 p.m. — Children’s Parade. Line-up starting at Historical Society Road and ends at Municipal Building. All ages welcome! Dress up, decorate your bike, wagon, stroller, wheelers, trikes or just walk with us! Prizes to be awarded. Bring your food for a picnic on the ball field after parade. Sponsored by the Rec.
7 p.m. — Grave’s Institute of Self Defense Open House at Municipal Building.
Friday, Aug. 3
11 a.m.-1 p.m. — R.H. Auto Sales grill and picnic, located on the Houlton Road.
6:30 p.m. — Pet Show In Loving Memory of Jarrica Rose Emery. Pre-register by calling 463-2263. or register no later than 6:15 p.m. before show. All animals welcome and must be on leash at all times. Prizes awarded for several different categories. Admittance is $2 per person.
9 p.m. — Moonlight golf at VaJoWa. $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Includes golf cart and 1 glow ball. Pre-register by calling 463-2128 no later than 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 4
7-10 a.m. — Masonic Lodge No. 206. “All you can eat” breakfast. Adults $7, and children under 10 $4.
10 a.m. — Antique Tractor Pulls. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Concessions provided by Big Valley Sno Club.
9 a.m. — St. Agnes Sodality Food Sale at Jerry’s Thriftway.
Noon — Duck Race and 50/50 raffle. Ducks will be launched off the bridge behind River
Cafe at noon to free fall into the Mattawamkeag River. The first duck to cross finish line is the winner. Ducks can be purchased for $3 each on Wednesday, Aug. 1 or
Friday, Aug. 3 between noon and 2 p.m. or on day of race at 10 a.m. 50 percent will be donated to I.F. Recreation Department.
6 p.m. — Island Falls School Alumni Banquet and Reunion at the Municipal Building. RSVP Becky no later than Wednesday Aug. 1, by calling 463-2372 or email belvedere173@icloud.com
Sunday, Aug. 5
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — VFW King Mitchell Post 7529 Annual Chicken barbecue. Adults $9 and children 12 and younger $4. For more information, call Greg Hawk at 365-6666.
1 p.m. — Parade. This year’s theme is “Picnic with Friends” Cash prizes 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.
Following the parade, a barbecue will be held at the Municipal Buidling. Food by donation with proceeds to benefit Green Valley Association’s Special Olympics. Pie and dessert auction begins at the parking lot with proceeds to Island Falls Playground and Agape Food Pantry. Anyone that would like to donate a pie or dessert please drop off by 11 a.m. at Municipal Building.
Youth photography and art contests will be ongoing throughout the week. For more information about any listings Call 463-2263
