FARMINGTON — Summer Fest is shaping up for Saturday, July 23.

“The 57th annual downtown summer festival in Farmington is in full swing, after a false start in 2020, and a moderate version held only in the park last year, mostly due to concerns about the Pandemic,” organizer Susun Terese wrote in a recent email.

Events are scheduled throughout the day and will occur on Upper Broadway, in Meetinghouse Park and at Narrow Gauge Drive-In theater.

A live auction will open the festival at the Narrow Gauge Drive-In theater instead of Meetinghouse Park where it was originally to be held. Preview begins at 8 a.m. Auctioneers Jeff and Adrian Harris will start at 9 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Farmington Downtown Association. Donations of goods can be made until July 15 by calling Diane or Andrea at Mixed-Up at 207-778-4616.

“Upper Broadway will be closed off to traffic once again this year, to accommodate vendors, entertainment, a children’s parade, and, of course, enthusiastic fair goers,” Terese noted. “There are nearly 50 vendors currently signed up to sell their wares or promote services and businesses. The list offers a wide variety of hand-made items such as wood products, pepper jelly, quilted items, photography, jewelry, hand-made signs, clothing, skin-care products, paper art, henna tattoos and more.”

Blue Crew, with members from Mt. Blue and Spruce Mountain high schools returns with their famous root beer stand and an exhibition of their robots. Wully’s Italian Ice and Sweet Life Kettle Corn (a fund-raiser this year for MBHS Class of ’23) will provide snacks on Broadway. Local organizations including SAPAR, Safe Voices, Seniors Plus, Literacy Volunteers, Public Library, and more, will have promotional booths.

La Contessa will offer “inner wisdom readings for fun and diversion” in front of Minikins.

“A new event this year is The Amazing Summer Fest RACE – a competition based on the adventure reality TV series: “The Amazing Race”,” Terese wrote. “Coordinated by Joe Musumeci of Farmington Underground, the race will begin on Broadway with teams of two racing against time, to various locations in the downtown area, to complete certain challenges. Prizes will be awarded to fastest times and best costumes (we like costumes), as well as for the best team spirit!”

Participation in the race is free. Registrations may be made at https://forms.gle/Vivwp2nvE7RkbtWL7. At least one team member must be 16 years or older with the race taking place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“There will be a booth with a banner in front of Touch of Class,” Terese said in a recent phone interview.

“Pirates and Mermaids” is the theme for this year’s children’s parade, coordinated by the Children’s Task Force. The parade will start on Church St. and march down Broadway, then head over to Meetinghouse Park where there will be lots of children’s activities, including “Walk the Plank”, cookie decorating, a dress-up tea party, petting zoo and more.

Terese said events in the park would occur from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., although some might not start until noon.

Pie on the Porch can be found at the Holman House on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wagon rides will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fire truck tours will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. in the courthouse parking lot.

“The New Hope Baptist Church will provide free Sno-Cones,” she wrote. “Hot dogs and chips will be for sale at a promotional booth for the Community Regional Charter School of Skowhegan. Music in the park is provided by Tumbledown and the Old Gold Band.”

Entertainers on Broadway include Arizona Rose, Gambol Creek, a live Elvis Tribute, and Crooked Bill. Following these bands, the ever-popular “Farmington’s Got Talent” will take place on the Broadway stage. The talent show is open to all ages and appropriate talents. There will be cash prizes for best act in each age category and most original act.

“Pre-registration is not required but encouraged,” Terese said. “People are already signing up, there are only so many slots available.”

Registrations may be made by emailing susun@minikins.org, calling 207-491-5533 or stopping in at Minikins.

Crafters and exhibits along with store sales and specials will be found on Upper Broadway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Matt and the Barn Burners will close out Broadway’s events with a “rip-roaring street dance” in the early evening, Terese wrote.

“Over the years we have heard a continuous plea to bring back “Moonlight Madness”, she noted. “This is your chance to get your friends to come out and dance in the street again; and help us make Summer Fest the best ever!

“Following the street dance there is a spectacular fireworks display planned at 9 p.m. in Prescott Field on Front Street. The conclusion to Summer Fest will be a special $10-per-carload deal at the Narrow Gauge Drive-In – movie TBA.

“We are still accepting donations to help us defray the substantial costs of the fireworks. Please remember also to support our generous sponsors who have already donated to Summer Fest. A list of contributors, as well as more details about every event can be found in our brochure: Summerfest 022.pdf and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/welovesummerfest.”

Terese said volunteers are still being sought to help set up, break down and complete other duties as needed throughout the day.

For more information, to volunteer or to pick up brochures contact Susun at susun@minikins.org or call 207-491-5533.

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