Event organizers
ready for ‘smashing’ good time
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD — From mashed potato wrestling to one of the largest parades in the state, the town of Fort Fairfield is gearing up for its 66th annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival, which will be held July 13-21.
“Fort Fairfield hosts the annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival mid-July each year when the potato blossoms are in full bloom. We calculate each years’ dates by the tradition that our huge parade is always the third Saturday in July, making parade day July 20 this year,” said Michael Bosse, executive director for the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. “This 9-day festival features farmer olympics, road races, arts and crafts, fireworks, river races, mashed potato wrestling and much more!
“It’s fun for the entire family. The Maine Potato Blossom Festival is one of the oldest and most established festivals in Maine. Founded in 1937, this venue was created to celebrate Maine’s supreme commodity, the potato,” Bosse said. “No matter who you go with to the festival, there is something for everyone’s interest. Some of the traditional activities include the Maine Potato Blossom Queen Pageant, the annual antique tractor pull and fireworks over the beautiful Aroostook River.”
The traditional events that are popular year after year are all returning again this year. Events like the pet show, bike rodeo, potato picking contest, mashed potato wrestling, chicken barbeque, antique tractor show, street dance with Motor Booty Affair and adult dance at the Community Center make for a great week.
Organizers are bringing back the Antique Car Show and Shine Sunday, July 21 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Riverside Park.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. There will be antique cars of all kinds on display, a disc jockey with musical entertainment, and a barbecue sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 194.
“We encourage antique car owners from all over Aroostook County and neighboring New Brunswick to bring their antique, classic and vintage cars and trucks to display,” said organizer Tami Kilcollins. “The public is encouraged to come and enjoy a relaxing family fun afternoon, stroll down memory lane a bit, and visit the Antique Car Show and Shine at beautiful Riverside Park along the banks of the Aroostook River.”
Other attractions/events will include:
• Canterbury Royale’s Lobster and Clam Bake offered July 13-14 and 19-20. Reservations are required for this succulent meal. Two seatings per night (4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Cost is $43.50 per person. Call the Canterbury Royale at 472-4910 for more information.
• Western Dressage Riding Clinic at the Rocking ‘S’ Ranch on North Caribou Road at 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. July 16-21. Understanding the principals of, and gaining skills of classical riding through western dressage. Fee is $40.
• Showcasing some great local vocal and musical talent is Worship Without Walls — Music on Main Street for all ages at My Friends House. Main Street will be closed off. Arts and crafts with music. Live music and singing by various artists will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 20.
“Most events are free to attend and the bandstand has entertainment daily,” Bosse said. “We have over 100 events and the parade on July 20 and the fireworks on July 21 are our two most popular events. Pick up a schedule of events brochure at many of the local merchants and hotels, or log onto PotatoBlossom.org.”
