ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The Island Falls Summerfest is a coming home tradition, said organizer Elizabeth Moulton, recreation director.
Traditionally slated to kick off the last Friday in July, the event draws former Island Falls High School alums for a reunion, spurring classmates, friends and families back home to celebrate the small Aroostook County town they grew up in, she said.
This year’s festival will run from July 28 to Aug. 6 and each day is packed with activities in downtown and around the community.
Like many Aroostook County towns, the long-awaited summer festival is about fun, parades, silly floats, food and sharing. Most everyone knows someone riding on a float or manning one of the festival booths. There’s a cake walk, touch a truck, a steak supper, chicken barbecue, canoe and kayak races and music by Ted & The Boys & Miss Emily on opening night.
This year professional wrestling returns to the Summerfest, said Moulton.
On Aug. 4, at the Island Falls Municipal Building, Let’s Wrestle, will provide a night of professional wrestling with the likes of Maine’s local legend Eric Johnson, Belfast Bulldog Dave Dyer and the Dunky Boy Bandit. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 ringside and $10 general admission and can be purchased online or at Jerry’s Food Store in Island Falls or North Gate Grill in Patten.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Island Falls Recreation Department for new playground equipment, Moulton said.
There also are the favorites like the Duck Race, tractor pulls, Sunday Fun Day and fireworks.
“I’m excited,” said Moulton. “This is my first year doing the Summerfest as the new recreation director.”
