FARMINGTON — Organizers say Farmington Summer Fest will offer a variety of new activities, including many family-oriented activities and events, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday in downtown Farmington.

Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, Broadway becomes an outdoor market, and at noon, Meetinghouse Park becomes a castle for a Renaissance Fair, said Sue Jones, president of festival host Farmington Downtown Association.

“Summer Fest is a chance for the community to come together to celebrate and enjoy the town we all love so much,” said Laurie Danforth, the Association’s promotion committee chair. “The Farmington Downtown Association has worked to put on the biggest celebration to hit the streets of our town in years.”

The Farmers Market and local crafters, about 40 vendors in all, are expected on Broadway, said Matthew Potvin of the Promotions Committee.

There will be homemade crafts, local foods and live music all day at two different stations, he said.

The Main Street park becomes a medieval castle with cardboard walls around the perimeter, Jones said. The park opens at noon, followed by Ye Olde Doll Carriage and Wagon Parade at 12:15 p.m.

From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., a medieval carnival of games with prizes will take place. Children can buy five tickets for $1 to play. There will also be several snacks available for sale in the park, mostly healthy selections for children.

Funds raised by the Renaissance Fair will go to the Western Maine Homeless Outreach, Jones said. They are in need of money, she said of the nonprofit that provides a homeless shelter in Farmington.

Starting at 4 p.m., medieval group games take place at the Pierce House on Main Street, where parents and family members can join children in a tug of war, bringing down a pinata and other activities.

The market closes at 5 p.m. on Broadway, but there’s still plenty to do, Potvin said.

The first dance contest takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Meetinghouse Park, Jones said. She has held the event for Kingfield Days, but this is Farmington’s first.

Adults and children can show off their dance moves during the Hokey Pokey and the Chicken Dance and compete for prizes, she said.

A one-mile run, Spandits! Kids, starts at 5:30 p.m. on Broadway and the Spandits! 5K Road Race starts at 6:15 p.m.

The day finishes with a concert at North Church when Skye Theater presents “Annalivia” at 7 p.m.

Western Maine Storytelling will provide children and family stories at the Octagon House.

Upcountry Artists will offer children painting and art for adults.

Mooseville is running a recycled art contest. More information is available at the store before Saturday.

The Farmington Historical Society will offer walking tours of Farmington starting at 2 and 3:30 p.m. at the Titcomb House.

Henderson Memorial Baptist Church will hold an old-fashioned picnic lunch on their Main Street lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Old South Congregational, also on Main Street, hosts their annual Pie on the Porch from 1 to 5 p.m.

St Luke’s Episcopal Church will sell lobster roll bagged lunches Saturday in downtown Farmington.

There’s a blacksmith demonstration, a fairy house display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Calico Patch and a variety of specials offered by downtown businesses.

Retired game warden and author Randall Probert signs copies of “The Three Day Club” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Twice Sold Tales.

More information, including a list of events, musical artists, downtown sales and specials, is available at www.downtownfarmington.com.

abryant@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link