KINGFIELD — The annual four-day Kingfield Festival Days will begin Thursday, July 13.
Jodi Marsden, committee chairman, said the schedule is packed with annual favorites and new activities and performances. Nearly every event and entertainment venue is free.
Volunteers will set up a large tent at Depot and Main streets in the center of town, and most activities are in and around this area or are within walking distance.
At 4 p.m. Thursday, noted mime and storyteller Antonio Rocha will offer his unique stories and performance theater. He has performed at the National Storytelling Festival, the Smithsonian and the Kennedy Center. He studied with Tony Montanaro and Marcel Marceau, and in 2015, received the Oracle Circle of Excellence Award from the American National Storytelling Network.
“We are delighted to have such great talent join us here under the tent to help us kick off the festival,” Marsden said.
The annual Kingfield Festival Days Cook-Off starts at 6 p.m.
“We hope lots of folks will bring their favorite dish to share,” Marsden said. “Dig out those recipes for appetizers, entrees and dessert for some friendly competition.”
The Herbert Grand Hotel will host its annual cribbage challenge from 7 to 9 p.m. and all ages can try a new game called Cake Walk, from 7 to 9 p.m. under the tent. Contestants walk in numbered squares to music until the music stops, and the one with the number matching the square is the winner, according to the rules of this old-fashioned carnival game.
“Contestants pay $1 to play, with a chance to win a yummy cake, pie or other type of dessert,” Marsden said.
On Friday, after a day full of activities, the tent will be the site of an ice cream social, presentation of Gratitude Awards, and music by DJ Stan Howard. Howard also will spin the tunes for the Glow-Stick dance for young people at Webster Hall.
Saturday there will be free hot dogs, fries and sodas until noon or until they are gone, at Jordan Lumber on Main Street. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Kingfield Historical Society on High Street will feature new photographs from the society’s collection, visits to Grandma’s Attic and an up-close view of a working forge.
The Stitchers in the Snow quilting group will showcase quilters of the past and the present from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nazarene Church on High Street. Niilo Sillanpaa’s Trading Post on Upper Main Street will host games, contests, the Operation Game Thief exhibit, youth archery and airsoft demonstrations, a farmer’s market and a coyote-calling contest. The Masons will host their annual barbecue, with takeout meals available and seating under the tent.
Saturday’s parades are the highlight of the weekend. The Kids’ Parade starts at Depot Street at 9 a.m., and the Pet Parade starts at 9:30 a.m. The Mardi Gras-themed Grand Parade starts at noon, with prizes for the judges’ choices in several categories.
On the West Kingfield Road, the popular Mud Football competitions are free to watch, but players welcome donations that benefit local charities and scholarships.
The Northwoods Pulling & “Muddin” Track on Route 4 in Phillips will host some rowdy competitions and a chance to make some noise, Marsden said. From 6 to 10 p.m., the Fire on the Mill Pond boat rides on the Carrabassett River take passengers to the dam on Route 16. Passengers ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Country singer Mark Gentle will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. under the tent Saturday.
On Sunday morning, people may register at Jordan Lumber parking lot for the 5K Run/Walk and the Kids’ One-Mile Run on West Kingfield Road. Walkers start at 7:55 a.m.; runners start at 8:20 a.m.; children start at 9 a.m. The preregistration fee is $10 by July 15 and $15 on race day. Contact John Winter at 778-1091 to preregister.
Also on Sunday, the Mud Football final competitions and the equally messy Mud Runs at the Northwood’s Pulling and “Muddin” Track in Phillips will be held.
The Quadrunners ATV Trail Rides start at noon at the Sled Shed on Route 27.
At the tent will be the popular Kingfield Has Talent competition. The Skillet Throwing Contest starts at 1 p.m. at the Little League Field. Bring lawn chairs to the 2 p.m. Tumbledown concert at One Stanley Avenue. The Historical Society, Ski Museum and the Stanley Museum will be open for tours and activities during the festival.
For updates on the four-day schedule, check the Kingfield Festival Days page on Facebook.
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