Planning for Stacyville Strawberry Festival under way

    STACYVILLE — Plans have been underway by the Sherman Area Memorial VFW 2299, Ladies Auxiliary and Jr. Girls Unit for the 8th annual Strawberry Jam Festival in Stacyville. This year there have been additions to the regular schedule, which will provide fun for everyone from children to seniors.
    On Friday July 18y, the festival kicks off at 11 a.m. when the hot dog bus opens for business. “My Favorite Cake Contest” entries must be registered by 2 p.m. on Friday, with judging to take place at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m., there will be a pig roast, complete with baked potatoes and corn on the cob. The pig is donated each year by Tom and Judy Mullen of Kennebunkport, and it sure is delicious! Rick McGibbon of Millinocket, will entertain at 6 p.m. with Irish music and stories, and at 7 p.m., two super raffle tickets will be drawn for $250 each.
    The parade on Saturday begins at 11 a.m.. Participants are asked to line up at the old elementary school lot by 10:30 a.m. The hot dog bus will be open all day, as well as vendors on the tennis courts selling everything from jewelry to paintings. At noon, there will be various kids’ games by the Junior Girls Unit, and the dunk tank will be open. Distinguished and world-renowned Auctioneer Jimmy Pratt will begin the bidding on auction items at noon. There’s a strawberry jam contest at 2 p.m., and jam must be registered by 1:30 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be an arm wrestling contest by Ron Splan.
    The bean supper this year will be held at the Sherman Rec. Dept. at 4:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., there’s some special entertainment provided by Frank Therriault of Lubec. Frank does a “Woodchoppers Degree” to raise money for Rainbow Girls scholarships. There is a $15. fee to do the degree, and supper would be free for those participating in the degree. It’s a lot of fun, and is for a good cause. It’s really not what you think! Steel-toed shoes are not required, however shoes and socks are a requirement to participate. This is open to both men and women. Two more super raffle drawings will be held at 7 p.m. for $250 each, followed by a BYOB dance from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. with Deejay Frank Manzo. The cost of the dance is $10 per couple. Bring your friends for good food, lots of fun, and kick up your heels at the dance to end the evening.
    On Sunday, pick of the draw horseshoe tournament begins at 9 a.m. sharp. There will be an art show this year, with registration from 9-11 a.m. The art may be any medium, based on a theme of strawberries. You may enter as many items as you like, but only one entry will be judged. At noon John Birmingham and That RFD gang will provide musical entertainment followed by Jackie Pratt and Friends at 2 p.m.. Entries for the pie contest must be registered by 2 p.m., with judging to begin at 3 p.m.. At 4 p.m. Peter and Allison Roy will sing, and the famous chicken barbeque begins at 4:30 p.m. To round out the evening, the last two drawings of the super raffle will be held at 7 p.m. One drawing for $500 and one for $1,000.
    All evening meals are $7 per adults, $3.50 for children under 12 and children 5 and under eat free. There is a family rate at $20. The meal includes dessert and drinks. There will be strawberry jam for sale, as well as items from the hot dog bus.
    The rules for each one of the contests are as follows: My Favorite Cake Recipe Contest, new this year includes two categories; kids under 16 and adults 16 and over. Adults first place prize is $25., 2nd place free chicken barbecue, kids first place $10 and second place ribbon. Cakes must be registered by 2 p.m. on Friday. Any flavor, judged by a panel of discriminating critics. The cake must be the equivalent in volume to at least one full cake mix. All cakes become the property of the VFW following judging.
    The Strawberry Preserve Contest takes place on Saturday, and all entries must be registered by 1:30 p.m. Strawberries must be one of the ingredients. Entries will be judged on flavor and consistency, and become the property of the VFW after the judging. First place is $25, second place prize is one chicken barbecue meal.
    Sunday finishes the judging with a pie contest. Any kind of homemade pie is eligible, with a minimum size of 9”. All pies must be registered no later than 2 p.m. and become the property of the VFW after judging. Pies will be judged on appearance and flavor. First place is $25, second place free barbecue.
    The Post and Auxiliary are still looking for auction items. If you have anything to donate, and need someone to pick up the items, please call 365-4263 or 365-4832. You may also call the above numbers for information on any of the events. Come join us at the VFW in Stacyville as they provide a fun filled weekend for all. Hope to see you there!