KINGFIELD — Kingfield Festival Days begins Thursday evening, thanks to Emily Hatfield and Danielle Mathieu, who offered to lead the three-day event that brings large crowds and extra business to town.

After many perennial organizers retired, moved, or simply didn’t have the time to devote to planning it, a new committee pulled together and treasurer Diane Christen said she is happy for the renewed interest.

“I’ve been doing this for a long time,” she said. “This is a weekend that people remember and plan their family visits and vacations around.”

Opening night, July 18, will include a cribbage tournament at the Herbert Hotel. Friday evening is reserved for the traditional crowning of Mrs. Kingfield, an ice cream social and a pork dinner at the Grand Central Station parking lot. Nostalgia Tavern will host a teen dance featuring the TBD Band at the Depot Street tent, and everyone else can bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy a movie at the town park.

Saturday morning starts with a children’s parade of bicycles, tricycles, wagons, doll carriages and pets.

The Grand Parade at noon features an “Only In Maine….” theme and each year’s winning entries never have failed to disappoint audiences for their creativity and style, Hatfield said. The committee also has planned a pudding eating contest, a dance contest, a boat parade, a mud football challenge, a library book sale and a downtown artisan fair. The fun doesn’t end at sundown, Hatfield said.

“At 9 p.m., Dreamin’ Big DJ and Karaoke will be at the Nostalgia Tavern,” she said. “There will be dancing and singing until 1 a.m., but everyone should get some rest so they can enjoy everything we have planned for Sunday.”

On Saturday, July 20, the Kingfield Historical Society also offers its Grandma’s Attic yard sale, open house and demonstration of a working forge. The United Methodist Church will have a rummage sale and a luncheon, and Kenric Charles will have horse-drawn wagon rides, starting at the Grand Central Station parking lot.

The Kingfield town park behind the Stanley Museum will have pony rides and a petting zoo for the youngsters. Children can visit the Bounce House or ride on a firetruck on Depot Street, and cool down at the Splash and Dash tent on Main Street.

The mud football games continue on the West Kingfield Road on Sunday, July 21, and at the Woodsman Restaurant, the first skillet toss competition starts at 1 p.m. The men and women who enter this cast-iron hurling event will be judged on distance and accuracy, and a Best in Show winner will take home the Golden Skillet award.

Competitors and their fans are invited to join chefs at the restaurant to sample Chowdah Cook-Off entries starting at 2 p.m.

“Bring your favorite recipe, whether it’s clam, fish, cheeseburger, or whatever you think is a winner,” Hatfield said. “Just be sure to bring the chowder piping hot and ready to serve by 1:50 p.m. to register.”

Sunday offerings include a Franklin County Animal Shelter benefit yard sale and free admission to the Stanley and ski museums and the Historical Society. Sunday also features the third annual 5K Run/Walk and a children’s one-mile run, with registration at Jordan Lumber’s parking lot at 7:30 a. m. Walkers start at 7:55 a.m.; runners at 8:20 a.m.; and children at 9 a.m.

“Competitors should arrive at least 15 minutes early,” Hatfield said. “There’s usually a good crowd, and we don’t want to see anyone miss the start of the race.”

Preregistration is $10; registration at the event is $15. For more information, contact Jodi Badershall at 491-4269. For a full schedule of times and locations of events, visit the Facebook page for Kingfield Festival Days.