FARMINGTON – In keeping with the theme of this year’s Summer Fest of “Old Tyme Fun,” the Summer Fest committee has organized a good ol’ time float race down the Sandy River, to be held on Saturday, July 25 at 1 p.m. The race will begin at the Fairbanks Bridge and finish at the old Narrow Gauge trestles area just below the railway bed.
There will be three categories of river vessels in the competition: inflatable vessels, kayaks/canoes, and “alternative watercraft.” The latter category leaves it wide open to one’s imagination as to what kind of contraption could possibly float down the river. Prizes will be given for the first finisher in each category, for the best costume worn while on the float, the best vessel decoration and the most original vessel.
The Summer Fest Committee encourages families, friends and individuals to be creative and have fun floating down the Sandy!
Jobs for Maine’s Graduate (JMG) students from Mt. Blue High School, under the leadership of Cal Dorman, have agreed to coordinate the race. JMG volunteers will be available at the Fairbanks landing to judge costumes and vessels, and to help everyone get their vessels into the water. A handful of the JMG students will follow the last contestants down the river, to make sure everyone gets safely back to the “trestles.”
Depending on the weather just prior to Summer Fest, the river may be high and wide, or low and rocky. Participants are advised that there may be a need for portaging over the sand and rocks, and to come prepared with proper foot wear and manageable vessels. Life preservers must be worn by children 12 and under; preservers must be carried on-board non-inflatable rafts and boats; and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Registration prior to July 25 may be made through Summer Fest Committee Chair Susun Terese at Minikins, 218 Broadway, up until noon on Friday, June 24. On the day of the festival, contestants may register at the Chamber of Commerce booth on Broadway before noon, or at the landing at Fairbanks by 12:30 p.m. All contestants must bring the registration form and turn it in to the Float Coordinators at the Fairbanks Landing before launching their vessels.
For further information, contact Susun at susun@minikins.org, or call 207-491-5533.
