LEWISTON — Forecasts of sun and 80-degree temperatures Saturday and Sunday are expected to give a boost to this year’s Dempsey Challenge, organizers said.

“If it’s really cold and rainy, we see our numbers go down,” Aimee Arsenault, manager of special events and development, said. “We’re really excited about the forecast because we anticipate that the festival will be really full.”

Last year’s challenge was held two weeks later and drew strong crowds despite brisk temperatures. Previous challenges went on despite cold, wind and rain.

This year’s festival at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston is expected to draw thousands of people. Portland-based band Rustic Overtones is slated to perform Sunday and the challenge’s namesake, movie and TV actor Patrick Dempsey, is expected to appear both days.

Saturday

7 a.m. — Opening ceremonies led by Patrick Dempsey, start stage on Oxford Street

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Free Festival in the Park

8:15 to 9:45 a.m. — Performance by Skosh!

8:20 a.m. — 10K Run/Walk

10 a.m. — Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk

10:30 a.m. — “Thank You” from Patrick Dempsey, entertainment stage at Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston

11 a.m. — Auburn Firefighters Local 797 Kids’ Fun Run, start stage at Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston

11:30 a.m. — Performance by Camp of Rock

Sunday, Sept. 28

6:45 a.m. — Opening ceremonies led by Patrick Dempsey

7:30 a.m. — Cycling Ride, cyclists released in waves: 100, 70, 50, 25 and 10 miles

8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Festival in the Park

10:30 a.m. to noon — Performance by The Dapper Gents

12:15 to 1:30 p.m. — Performance by The Awesome (’80s Band)

2 to 3:15 p.m. — Performance by The Rustic Overtones

3:30 p.m. — Closing ceremonies led by Patrick Dempsey at entertainment stage at Simard-Payne Memorial Park, 46 Beech St., Lewiston

For a full schedule of the weekend’s events, go to The Dempsey Challenge website at www.dempseychallenge.org/schedule-of-events.

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