STRONG – One day just wasn’t enough to contain all the activities planned by volunteers for the Sandy River Festival.

People can enjoy activities, meals and an evening campfire on Saturday and then return on Sunday for breakfast and to paddle the river to the Fairbanks Bridge in Farmington, volunteer Milt Baston said.

Activities will be held at the American Legion Field near the Sandy River bridge and begin Saturday with a Boy Scouts flag ceremony at 9 a.m.

Although people can canoe and kayak the river anytime, organizers hope they’ll stick around Saturday for planned events and then return on Sunday to travel the 9-mile stretch of scenic river, he said. A free shuttle service from the Fairbanks bridge back to Strong will be offered but, it’s only available on Sunday, he said.

Demonstrations begin at 10 a.m. when Chip Cochrane from Carrabassett Valley, an international canoe poling champion, shows his skills.

An inner tube race begins at 11:30 a.m. Kayak and canoe experts, fly fishing instruction and educational exhibits will also be available on Saturday.

Water activities continue in the afternoon with canoe jousting and relay races as well as favorites among spectators: log rolling and a log boom run. Undefeated three-year log rolling champ Vern Romanoski may face competition, Baston said.

At lunchtime on Saturday, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available or people may bring a picnic. A baked bean supper will be available at 5:30 p.m.

People are invited to stay Saturday evening for a campfire, stories, singing and more, he said. A couple of local guys with banjo and guitar will be on hand.

Sunday begins with an 8 a.m. breakfast followed by the opportunity to travel the river. There is one small drop just before the Fairbanks bridge takeout and beach, he added.

The festival appears to be catching on, Baston said. Organizers have already received calls from Rangeley and Mt. Vernon as well as U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ office inquiring about attending the festival. A local bed and breakfast is already booked with people from Massachusetts who plan to be there, he said.

For more information call 684-4429, 684-5481 or 684-2195 or check for updates at http://www.strongmaine.com