Island Falls enjoys busy Summerfest

By Ruth Frazier
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
    ISLAND FALLS — The 2011 Island Falls Summerfest “Western Fun Days” held July 29-Aug. 7 started out short of funds for fireworks, but local businesses pulled together and donated the amount needed to have a fireworks show.
    Several in the community held Customer Appreciation Day to show customer support and community involvement. Those whom held these events were Katahdin Trust Bank, Katahdin Federal Credit Union, I.F. One Stop and Bishop’s Market. Each business chose what they wanted to do to show customer appreciation. Many had food giveaways and prizes. I.F. One Stop lowered the price of gas for their special hours.
Contributed photo
TAG YOU’RE IT — Enjoying a friendly game of Laser Tag are Jenica Frazier, left, and Nicole White.
    The “Kiddie Parade” and children’s pageants held this year were low in entries, but everyone who entered had fun. The “Pet Show in Loving Memory Of Jarrica Rose Emery” was held and several golden retrievers came with many talents to show off. Winners in the pet show were: Best In Show, “Max,” a yellow lab owned by Shephani Decker; Most Obedient, “Shilo,” a beagle/Australian mix owned by Jeanie Schenk; and Best Dressed, “Little Miss BooHoo,” a tabby cat (owners name not available).
    Ribbons were also given out for: Loudest, “Bear,” a dog owned by Amy Grant; Most Unique, “Spanky,” a chicken owned by Kelsey MacDonald; Fluffiest, “Diesel,” a golden retriever owned by Gabby Lewin; Smallest, “Magic,” a lionhead rabbit owned by Courtney MacDonald; and Biggest, “Shadow,” a golden retriever owned by Jordyn Legassey.
    G-Force Laser Tag was a  first-time event in Island Falls. It was fairly low attended, but those who came had a blast and once they entered, many stayed until closing. The youngest participants were around 5 years of age, while the oldest were around 55 years of age.
    The Island Falls and Oakfield fire departments had their third annual softball game. All who watched had fun and cheered them on.
Contributed photo
PARADE WINNERS — Winners in the parade contest for the Island Falls Summerfest were, front from left, Rylee Webb, Margarett Phillips, Louie Conrad and Jordyn Legassey; and back, Kristen Fitzherbert, Robert Mitchell, Lee Faulkner, Lloyd Phillips, Robert Emery, Keely Mitchell, and Devyn Legassey.
    Other events this year were a breakfast, tag sales, steak supper, and Fireman’s Muster. The VFW held its first PowWow on grounds this year and a garden tour was held with five different gardeners inviting the public to stop by and check out their flowers and veggie gardens.
    Brian MacDonald and family once again set up a Petting Zoo, where both kids and adults had great time. They set up an area for people to take photos and had a scavenger hunt, and food to feed critters.
    A barbecue was held by volunteers to raise money for future local playground equipment.
    The parade was a great success. Locals and visitors attended and there were many compliments of the floats that entered. The first-place winner was Island Falls Free Wheeler Club; second-place was Rising Stars Child Care provider- Kristin Fitzherbert; and third-place was Fish Stream Kennels.
    After the parade a number of kids’ games were held and were a wonderful success. A bounce house and water slide were also popular.
    Due to bad weather, the Sing It Out Entertainment with Beth & Trish was sparsely attended, but several got to sing and had great time. Ending the week-long events was “Sarah’s Dance Camp” recital. Sarah Lowry held dance camp for several children and a few adults and they did a great job. Those who showed up enjoyed the recital.
    Dawn Merry of Island Falls won a picnic table raffle held by a few softball team players and coaches. Photo Contest winners were as follows: Fishing Photo, Bud Nason II, photo of his daughter holding large fish; Bird Category, Ruth Frazier, Eagle picture taken in stream on Old Patten Road; and Campfire Flames, Michele McCordic, logs on fire.