ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The town of Island Falls will soon be buzzing with activities as part of its annual weeklong Summerfest celebration.
This groovy vibe of the 1960s will be in full force this year as the theme for the festivities is “Peace, Love and Tie-Dye Days.”
Island Falls Recreation Director Ruth Frazier has been one of the key organizers of the town’s celebration since 1998. Finding volunteers to assist with the many activities remains one of the toughest tasks of pulling off the event each year.
“Volunteers are actually very hard to get,” she said. “We are not having kiddie games after the parade unless someone steps up. The United Baptist Church of Island Falls did them for several years, but cannot this year. So we need to have five or six adults or high school kids step forward to offer heading up the games or there will be none, sadly.”
Fireman Fred Parsons will be in parade this year and afterwards will do a show at the municipal building.
“I keep trying to come up with new ideas and asking others for their input, but it takes more than three or four of us to put things together,” Frazier said.
This year several newer businesses will have Customer Appreciation Day events. The Green Valley Association will have a first-time softball/T-ball game. The team will feature consumers playing and staff will be having concessions to help raise funds for Special Olympics.
The Country Tavern & Eatery will host reunions for SACS Classes of 1984 and ‘94. The Childrens’ Parade will have a new route, Frazier said, that will see the youngsters stroll around the block. Trophies will be awarded.
Other activities include a Western Dance; the IWE (Independent Wrestling Entertainment), G-Force Laser Tag; pony rides, petting zoo and moonlight golf is returning after not having it the past few years.
A schedule of events is as follows:
Friday, July 25
11 a.m. — Katahdin Federal Credit Union member appreciation day. Prizes and refreshments
5:30 p.m. — Green Valley Consumers softball/T-ball game. Concession proceeds go toward Special Olympics. For more information, call Jen or Diane at 463-2156. Donations accepted.
9 p.m.-1 a.m. — The Maine Slice dance with DJ “Crash.” No cover charge.
9 p.m. — Fireworks at the VaJoWa Golf Course.
Saturday, July 26
Fishing derby begins. Mattawamkeag Lake and Pleasant Pond. Weigh-in times at Island Falls One Stop are Saturday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prizes to be awarded after 2 pm Sunday. $10 entry fee per person sign up before derby or on day of at Island Falls One Stop. For more info call 463-2232
6:30-9:30 a.m. — Island Falls Free Wheeler Club is sponsoring an all-you-can-eat breakfast at the Fish and Game Club. The cost for adults is $7 and kids under 12 are $5.
9 a.m. to noon — The Whittier Congregational Church’s annual Bake/Trash n’ Treasure Sale featuring homemade ice cream.
9 a.m. — Birch Point canoe/kayak race register up to 9:45 a.m. Rules review at 9:45 a.m. The cost is $10 per person entry. Proceeds to benefit SACS’ Dollars for Scholars. For more information, call 463-2515.
2 p.m. — Games on the town ball field, including skillet throw, softball toss and soccer kick. Prizes to be awarded.
1-7 p.m. — SACS Class of 2004 celebration at Island Falls Municipal Building. For more info call Alicia at 214-6650.
4-8 p.m. — The Maine Slice lobster/clam bake. Reservations required by calling 463-2094.
8 p.m. — The County Tavern & Eatery celebrates SACS Class of 1994. Karaoke is available. The event is for those 21 years and older. ID is required. There is no cover charge.
Sunday, July 27
Fishing derby ends
12:30 p.m. — Kiddie Parade. Prizes to be awarded for Best Entry, Best Decorated Bicycle and Best Dressed of Theme “Peace, Love and Tie Dye Days!” The parade route will start at Island Falls Fire Department and continue to the playground, onto David Street to Burleigh Street and ending back at the fire station.
4 p.m. — Pet Show in loving memory of Jarrica Rose Emery at Island Falls Municipal Building. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash. Prizes to be awarded. To register call Ruth at 463-2263 or email ifrec@fairpoint.net. Admission is $2.
6 p.m.— Maine State Police K-9 Glenni and Sgt. Chad Fuller of Maine State Police demonstration on ball field. Following K-9 demonstration, foul shooting contest in gym. Boys and girls of all ages prizes to be awarded.
Monday, July 28
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. — Katahdin Public Library book sale.
11 a.m.- 1 p.m. — New 2 U Customer Appreciation Day with sales storewide. Yarn spinning demo and refreshments.
6-9 p.m. — Country western dance at Island Falls Municipal Building. Bring a friend and come listen or dance! Donations accepted for Island Falls Rec. Department. For info, call 521-1867.
Tuesday, July 29
9 a.m.- 4 p.m. — Katahdin Public Library book sale.
10 a.m.- 3 p.m. — Bridge Club card games at Island Falls Municipal Building. All are welcome. Bring a bag lunch.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Reflection Salon Customer Appreciation Day. Refreshments and face painting offered.
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. — Pampered Chef fundraiser for Feed the Hungry at Reflection Salon. Demonstrations by local pampered chef lady Tabby York. For more information, call 694-5744.
5 p.m. — Lake Association’s annual meeting and supper at Big Valley Sno Club. Guest speaker will be Susan Gallo. RSVP by July 23 by calling 463-2515.
Wednesday, July 30
11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Unique Boutique open house with refreshments. Sign up for door prizes between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The drawing will be at 2:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. — Softball game between Island Falls and Oakfield fire departments.
Thursday, July 31
11 a.m.- 1 p.m. — The County Tavern & Eatery kids karaoke. Free popcorn & fruit punch.
7 p.m. — Grave’s Institute of Self Defense open house at Island Falls Municipal Building. Join Sensi Walter Garnett and students. Free admittance.
Friday, Aug. 1
7 p.m. — IWE (Independent Wrestling Entertainment) Tag Team Turmoil. Purchase tickets at Jerry’s Thriftway, Bishop’s Market or at door. The cost is $5 bleachers or $8 ringside.
9 p.m. — Moonlight golf at VaJoWa. Register by 8 p.m. For more info, call 463-2128.
Saturday, Aug. 2
7-10 a.m. — Masonic Lodge No. 206 on Library Street will host an all you can eat breakfast. The cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children under 10.
9 a.m. — St. Agnes Sodality food sale at Jerry’s Thriftway.
8:45 a.m. — The 22nd annual Pie Run 5k run/4k walk and kids fun run. T-shirts given to first 100 people registered. Proceeds go to Agape Food Pantry. The cost is $10 per person entry fee. E-mail to register or for more info pjwhswcsw@gmail.com.
Noon-5 p.m. — Jeff Brooks Equipment Service Customer Appreciation Day. Laser tag along with blow up city. Hot dogs and drinks all proceeds from donations go to the Island Falls Playground fund. To be held at Island Falls Municipal bldg.
1-3 p.m.- Brave Hearts in partnership with Resting Arms Ministries open house presentation and tour of the facilities. Refreshments and the “new vision” will be revealed. 66 Sherman St., Island Falls.
6 p.m. — Island Falls School Alumni Banquet/Reunion. RSVP with Becky by July 30 at 463-2372 or e-mail rebecca1@fairpoint.net.
6:30 p.m. — River Cafe will have live entertainment and fireworks at dusk.
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — The County Tavern & Eatery celebrates SACS Class of 1994 with a 21-and older dance. ID is required and there is no cover charge.
Sunday, Aug. 3
10 a.m. – noon — Island Falls Fire Dept. open house.
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. — VFW barbecue. The cost is $9 a plate. For more info, call Grey Hawk 365-6666.
1 p.m. — Parade. A barbecue fundraiser for the local playground fund follows. After parade events will also be held at the Island Falls Municipal Building.
