FARMINGTON — A good ol’ time float race down the Sandy River is one of several new events to be held during this year’s Summer Fest in Farmington.

In light of this year’s theme, “Old Tyme Fun,” Summer Fest Committee members have planned the float race for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25, starting at the Fairbanks Bridge and ending at the old Narrow Gauge trestle area, just above Center Bridge.

Participants may compete in three categories: inflatable vessels, kayaks/canoes and “alternative watercraft.”

The last category includes “what ever type of contraption can float down the river.” 

“It is wide open to one’s imagination,” Susun Terese, Summer Fest committee chair, said in a release.

Prizes will be awarded for the first one to finish in each category and for the best costume worn while on the float. There are also prizes for the best vessel decoration and the most original vessel.

Depending on the weather, the Summer Fest Committee advises participants to come prepared to portage their craft over low-water rocks or sand and to come with proper footwear and manageable vessels. Life preservers must be worn by children 12 and under and preservers must be carried on-board non-inflatable rafts and boats, she said. Children under 15 must also be accompanied by an adult.

The Jobs for Maine’s Graduate students at the Mt. Blue Campus, led by Cal Dorman, will coordinate the race. These volunteers will judge costumes and vessels at the Fairbanks Bridge and help participants get their vessel in to the water. Some JMG students will also follow the last contestants down the river to ensure all floats get to the Trestle safely.

Participants may register, prior to July 25, through Terese at Minikins, 218 Broadway up to noon on July 24. On the day of the festival, they may register at the Chamber of Commerce booth on Broadway before noon or at the landing at the Fairbanks Bridge by 12:30 p.m.

All contestants must bring a registration form to the Float Coordinators at the Fairbanks landing before launching their vessels, she said. 

For more information, contact Susun at susun@minikins.org or call 491-5533.

The Farmington Downtown Association is planning the 51st summer festival for the downtown area.

Summer Fest Committee members plan to offer a variety of musicians, vendors, displays and street performers for this year’s event.

The theme encourages games and events that represent simpler times when the pace of life was a bit slower and there were fewer props for games and people “enjoyed more of the uncomplicated and natural elements of a summer day,” she said.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

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