Cayden Bate, 10, of New Portland at left and Maggie Cook of Chesterville go all in for the Kingfield Festival Days pie eating contest on July 20, 2019, in Kingfield. Even though Bate faced stiff competition in the field of eight opponents, he was first to lick the plate clean. File Photo

KINGFIELD — The annual Kingfield Festival Days are just around the corner, promising a weekend packed with activities, entertainment and community spirit. This year’s festivities will run from Thursday, July 18, through Sunday, July 21, with a theme of “Your Favorite Cartoon.”

Terry Wyman of New Portland marches in the 2018 Kingfield Festival Days Grand Parade in Kingfield. Franklin Journal file

Organizer and Kingfield Selectman Kimberly Jordan shared the exciting lineup with The Franklin Journal. “It starts Thursday the 18th at 6 p.m. with a big bingo game,” she said. “Then we do a blackout game.” She said they have an inflatable booth with $500 cash and it blows cash around. People have one minute to grab money and put it in a fanny pack, said Jordan. She said the wind is pretty fierce and the task is not easy.

Friday, July 19, will feature a lobster and steak surf-and-turf dinner under the tent on the Skowhegan Savings Bank lawn. Jordan described it as “a big dinner with a bunch of family fun games, musical chairs and balloon stomping.” The evening will also include an annual flag burning ceremony, allowing attendees to dispose of old flags properly.

The festival ramps up Saturday, July 20, starting with children’s doll and pet parades, a power wheels race and a juggling magician performance by Mike Menes under the tent. Jordan highlighted, “We will have water toys, jousting, foam water pad and games for the kids.” The grand parade will take place at 1 p.m., followed by all terrain vehicle pulls, lawn mower races, a corn hole competition, and a pay-to-get-out jailhouse event.

Sunday, July 21, will feature a 2k and 5k footrace for both kids and adults. Jordan added, “The American Legion does their water fight battalion, which is a huge hit. There are always a lot of kids that like to come and do the big water fight against the American Legion.”

Other attractions throughout the weekend include art vendors, a petting zoo, Stanley Steamers, and free admission to the Stanley Museum on Saturday. There will also be a street dance with live music by the Dirty McCurdy Band Saturday night.

“It’s so gratifying to go through town and see so many people in Kingfield, even those you don’t know,” Jordan said. “The big businesses participate as well.”

Participants are encouraged to start planning their floats for the grand parade, with prizes for the best entries.

Tickets for the surf-and-turf dinner can be purchased in advance at Jordan Lumber Company, 354 Main Street, or by contacting Kimberly Jordan at [207]-491-0730.