WILTON – Scarecrows, a polar bear plunge, a 5K walk/run, and for the first time, a Pumpkin Derby race, along with more autumn-related events will be held downtown from 9:30 a.m to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
This is the first year a pumpkin derby will be held during the annual Wilton Scarecrow Fest, sponsored by the Wilton Events Committee, The Wilton Group and Western Maine Community Action.
The pumpkin derby race is inspired by a similar event held earlier this month during Damariscotta’s Pumpkin Fest & Regatta.
The Pumpkin Derby will feature small pumpkins designed, decorated and built with wheels to be raced down a 50-yard course on Canal Street bridge at the foot of Wilson Lake in downtown. The total weight of the pumpkin racers cannot exceed 20 pounds. A weigh-in will be held before the pumpkin derby races to ensure all pumpkins are in compliance. Prizes are awarded to various age groups.
According to an event organizer, Betty Shibles, Franklin Savings Bank has generously donated funds for all the materials needed to make a Pumpkin Car for the Derby. The materials and directions can be picked up at the Wilton Hardware Store this week.
“Thanks goes to Dick and Robyn Mayer of Damariscotta who have developed this idea for their Pumpkin Festival,” Shibles said. Thanks also goes to Dennis Medeiros of Wilton who built a ramp on which to race the pumpkin cars. The race will take place at the beginning of Lake Road by the bridge. Line up is at 1:45 p.m., and the races begins at 2 p.m. Three cars will race down the ramp at a time.
Fit Girls is holding its third annual 5K run/walk 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Wilson Lake. Last year more than 100 runners and walkers participated in the event which directly supported the program.
Fit Girls director, Deb Aseltine of Wilton, would like to acknowledge and thank Franklin Savings Bank and Western Mountain Financial Services for their support of the 5K event. The run/walk is open to the public. For additional information, please contact race director, Rose Hines at 778-5012. To preregister, please visit: www.fitgirlsofwiltonmaine.org and visit the happening section for a registration form.
Western Maine Community Action’s annual benefit event “Freezin for a Reason” polar plunge is set for noon across from Bass Park on Lake Road. This year’s polar plunge has expanded into a partner plunge, which invites other non-profits, community groups, civic organizations and even businesses to join in on the fun in this established fundraiser.
All participating partner teams will keep half of everything their team raises, with the remaining half going to WMCA. The team that raises the most money (determined at the plunge) will keep 100 percent of what they raised for their organization.
Interested partners should contact organizer Danielle Flannery, at dflannery@wmca.org or call 800-645-9636 and let her know they will have a team participating.
More Scarecrow Fest events:
9:30 to 11:15 a.m.: Scarecrow Contest. Bring your Scarecrow to the monument for judging and while you’re there, have breakfast at Ray Ray’s Café w/pumpkin muffins and pumpkin cupcakes.
10 a.m.: Fit Girls third annual 5K run/walk at Wilson Lake.
11 a.m. 11:45 a.m.: Costume parade with line up at KeyBank. A Hip Hop demo class and water balloon catapult will provide the entertainment.
Noon: WMCA’s Freezin’ for a Reason polar plunge at the boat ramp (rain or shine).
Noon: A Bake Potato Spread will be held at Congregational Church on Main Street. Potatoes are donated by Double G Farms of Baline.
1 p.m.: Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest at Congregational Church. Proceeds from the events at the church will go to WMCA’s housing and energy program.
1 to 2 p.m.: Pumpkin Derby at the Canal Street Bridge. Line up 1:45 p.m. Race Time at 2 p.m. Derby directions and registration form at Wilton Hardware. Pumpkins donated by Franklin Savings Bank and Food City.
Contest winners announced at 2 p.m.
Great article! This should be a great time – it isn’t too late to sign up for the plunge! Only $25 minimum required in pledges to get ‘Freezin’ and help support your neighbors in need this winter!