FARMINGTON — Energy abounded Saturday morning, July 23, as children took advantage of the many activities available to them as part of Summer Fest.

This year Farmington Summer Fest was able to return with even more features following a minimized version last year and none the previous year because of COVID-19. This was the 57th annual version of the festival according to organizer Susun Terese.

Mid-morning the area next to Franklin County Children’s Task Force’s offices on Church Street teemed with youngsters dressed as mermaids, pirates and other fantasy figures. They were awaiting the start of the 11 a.m. parade which was to traverse down Broadway then along Main Street to Meetinghouse Park.

Brothers Andrew and Peter Wells from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, eagerly showed off their swords and how to use them. The boys are relatives of Peggy Hodgkins of Wilton and actually have pirates in their lineage, mom Rebecca Wells said. Blackbeard’s first mate was a family ancestor, she added.

Cousins Jinger Johnson and Raelyn Pelkey, both of Farmington wore sparkly mermaid costumes.

One of the biggest draws during the wait was Luna, a four year old bearded dragon brought by Brynn Dakin of Farmington. Dakin was there for her little sister and had planned a shark costume for the lizard, but it was too hot.

Luna is an emotional support animal. Many of the children were able to hold her. They then watched with interest as Luna was placed on the ground and proceeded to chow down on grass, clover and weeds.

Families from the Task Force’s Century 21st and homes programs were invited, told of the parade, Rileigh Blanchet said. “It’s a great day for a parade,” she noted.

Captain Dartanio Darkenwulf, otherwise known as Darin Beaulieu of New Portland was set to lead the parade. Attired as a pirate, he used a megaphone to draw the children’s attention. “This is one of the best crews I have had,” he told the children.

Beaulieu provided pirate appropriate music during the parade. “We had fun,” he stated upon reaching the park.

Many children then congregated at Fred and Matilda’s Petting Zoo. Ducklings weren’t too sure about the attention and avoided the hands wishing to pet them. Nearby in a larger cage goat kids were more receptive to youngsters entering for a closer look and touching.

Another popular spot was the water fight. A kiddy pool filled with water and several water guns provided a fun way to cool off amidst the heat. A few grownups were heard to squeal after unknowingly getting in the line of fire. “Ah that was cold,” one woman exclaimed.

Children could get large tattoos painted on their faces. They created sugary masterpieces from vanilla wafers, canned frosting and colored sprinkles to then devour. A large cardboard box filled with balloons was waiting for them to jump in and earn a prize. A fishing game also led to a prize after a successful catch.

Free balloons were distributed. Snow cones and popcorn were other free treats.

Throughout the day local musicians provided entertainment.

“I like the snow cones the best,” Madeline Meuse of Farmington enthused.

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