PERU — The Friends of Peru Elementary School group will host its annual Summerfest event, starting 8 a.m. Saturday, June 27.

The annual festival returned in September 2014 after a long hiatus.

All money raised at the Summerfest event will go back into an account that will help pay for any future Summerfest events.

The festival will kick off with an 8 a.m. 5K race and 1-mile run/walk.

A parade will be held at 10 a.m., with the lineup beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Ridge Road.

Yvonne Allen, chairwoman of the Summerfest, said that the top four floats in the parade will receive cash prizes.

A free couples obstacle course for people 18 and over will begin at 11 a.m..

Allen added that food will be available in the form of burgers, hot dogs, beans, cole slaw and popcorn from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Other events at the festival include the following:

* 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Craft and flea market held throughout the Peru Community Center.

* 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Free kids games.

* 11 a.m.: Seniors Bake Sale.

* 11 a.m.: Free bike rodeo and inspection.

* 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Silent auction.

* 12 to 3 p.m.: Nickel bingo inside the Peru Community Center.

* 3 p.m.: 50/50 raffle drawing.

The Peru Historical Society will have an exhibit set up at the Peru Community Center for the entire day.

The Peru Fire Department will also attend the Summerfest, along with Med-Care and LifeFlight. Allen said that LifeFlight’s availability will depend on the weather.

The festival is being held more than two weeks after residents voted to approve an article at their June 9 referendum ballot that asked for $10,000 to support the operation of the Peru Community Center under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.

Three years ago, the town voted to rent the old school building to the Friends of Peru Elementary School for a minimal fee and to spend no more money on it.

The group manages the building and pays for its maintenance through fundraisers, grants, fees from events held there and rent from various groups. On Nov. 4, 2014, voters approved putting the town in charge of the building again and donating $10,000 toward maintaining it in 2014-15. The vote was 500-313.

Some residents voiced their disapproval of the selectmen putting another article on the June referendum ballot, requesting another $10,000, six months later.

Nick Waugh, chairman of the Friends of Peru Elementary School group, said the budget schedule for the Peru Community Center was “out of sync with the budget schedule of the town.”

“This article will correct that discrepancy,” Waugh said.

For more information, call Allen at 462-3100.

mdaigle@sunmediagroup.net

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