DANFORTH, Maine — The community of Danforth is gearing up for the return of a full East Grand Summerfest slate of events after COVID-19 caused many activities to be canceled last summer.
This year’s three-day schedule runs from Friday, Aug. 6, to Sunday, Aug. 9, and features many of the town’s more popular attractions.
“People are so looking forward to getting out of the house, having something to do, and most of all,, just visiting with their neighbors,” said Ardis Brown, Danforth’s town manager. “Our vendor participation is up and we have a full schedule of events.”
The events kick off Friday at 4 p.m. when Central Street will be closed to vehicles. A youth cornhole tournament for ages 10-17 will take place alongside a volleyball tourney behind the American Legion.
Also starting at 4 p.m. is a look back on Danforth’s past through home movies inside the town hall. Among the video clips featured are the Little Miss Danforth pageant from 1991 and the Mr. North Country from 1987 and 1988.
The American Legion will hold its meal of corn and haddock chowder with homemade pies starting at 5 p.m. and at 5:45 p.m. there will be a candy toss at the town library. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., a children’s disco dance takes place and a concert by the band “Three Steps” occurs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, a fishing derby will take place starting at 8 a.m. The downtown craft fair opens at 9 a.m. and is followed by the Summerfest parade at 10 a.m. At noon, the Danforth Fire Department will hold its popular chicken barbecue. Numerous games and other activities will take place throughout the day.
The band Ted and The Boys performs at 7 p.m. and is followed by a fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
On Sunday, the Grand Lakers ATV Poker Run will be held at 10 a.m. and a Color Run/Walk begins at 11 a.m. A downtown cookout to benefit the Danforth Living Community Center will be held 11:30-1 p.m. and the festival wraps up with a “Singspiration” and cookout at the Danforth Apostolic Church at 5 p.m.
“Everyone is very excited to be back to a full schedule of events,” Brown added. “We did do a small scale event last year focusing on family activities that were socially distanced, but it seemed so strange not to have the downtown packed with people.”
