FARMINGTON — Downtown streets will don decorations and balloons Friday, creating a festival atmosphere for the annual Summer Fest celebration.

The Farmington Downtown Association’s largest event is planned from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 29.

There are some changes this year, said Beth Beaudoin, promotion committee chairwoman, who along with a committee of seven have pulled together a festive, fun event on a small budget.

Perhaps the biggest change in the event is scaling back to one day from two, she said.

“There are changes but it also still incorporates activities and events that have happened for many years like the road race, Art in the Park and the chicken barbecue. It’s an old and new mixture,” she said.

Along with downtown store sales, food and children’s activities, several live performers will entertain throughout the afternoon and evening.

In an effort to help workers enjoy some live entertainment, a performance by the Western Mountain Trash Can Band is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. 

Organizers hope this will allow those who work to spend their lunch hour enjoying the steel-drum band music. The group is from the Kingfield area, she said.

A stage covered by a tent will provide shelter for performers near the former movie theater on Broadway.  There will also be a covered seating area with 75 chairs available for the audience. Anyone who wants to bring their own chair is welcome, she said.

Other performances include Harmony Grits at 1 p.m., On and Off Sisters at 2 p.m.,  Ruth Hill at 3 p.m., The Absentees at 4 p.m., Daniel Taylor from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Shepherd’s Pie from 7 to 9 p.m.

A presentation of the Farmington Gem award takes place at the stage at 5 p.m.

The Franklin County Children’s Task Force will host children events from 1 to 7 p.m. in their parking area at 113 Church St., Beaudoin said. A bounce house, inflatable slide and a couple games along with face painting is planned.

The annual art show, Art in the Park, is planned from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Meetinghouse Park.

A variety of food dishes are available, including St. Luke’s annual lobster roll sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Meetinghouse Park and Pie on the Porch from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Holman House where Old South Congregational Church will offer pie and entertainment.

A Civil War display and pie sale takes place at the Titcomb House on Academy Street. 

A chicken barbecue sponsored by Farmington Fire and Rescue begins at 4:30 p.m. on Main Street.

About 20 vendors will set up on Broadway while downtown stores offer sales and specials.

A welcoming banner and easel with information listing events, where and when will also be set up, Beaudoin said.

More information is available on the association’s website at www.downtownfarmington.com.

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