STRONG – Strong will celebrate summer this Friday with Pierpole Festivities beginning at 1 p.m. with an open house at Copperhorse Inn, crafters, book sale, children’s activities, a parade at 6 p.m. followed by dance at 7 p.m. with DJ Steve Bull.

The day has been named for one of Strong’s earliest settlers, native-American Pierpole, who along with his wife, Hannah, settled in the area in the late 1700s, according to town history. The Strong Events Committee chose to name the celebration after him, said member Vicky Burdin.

A town parade held Friday before July 4 last year was successful, prompting the committee to make it an annual celebration, Burdin said. Members hope this year will be even bigger and better, she added.

Anyone who wants to be in the parade is welcome, she said. Cash prizes, $100, $75 and $50, will be awarded to the top three floats chosen by judges.

With the theme, Pierpole Goes Fishing, Burdin expects there may be floats centered on fishing or Native Americans but “we won’t know till then,” she added. The parade will also feature the Old Crow Band.

Lineup begins at 5 p.m. at the North end of Main Street near Complete Hydraulics and will end at the fire station. Prizes will be awarded at the Forster Building.

The afternoon and evening are filled with activities, including a sale by crafters and artisans who will set up their work at Thorndike’s White Elephant Country Store, Burdin said. Burdin may be called for more information about the craft/art sale at 684-2234.

Strong Library will hold its annual book sale at Beal’s Variety Store. The Firemen’s Auxiliary chicken barbecue from 4 to 7 p.m. also will be held at Beal’s, she added. The meal for $5 includes macaroni salad, coleslaw beverage and brownie and ice cream with hot fudge topping.

Children’s activities will be held at the Forster Memorial Building. Boy Scouts and Young Leos, a junior chapter of the Lions Club, will do face painting and paint tattoos.

“There will be plenty to eat,” Burdin added as several food vendors will be on hand offering cotton candy, hot dogs and hamburgers, fried dough, nachos and beverages.

Lawn sales are also planned around town, she said, and for the block dance held in the Forster building parking lot, DJ Bull will play music from 7 to 9 p.m.

For more information about the parade or activities, call Raylene Tolman at 684-4389 or 491-1781 or Jeff O’Donnell at 684-3198.