Dandy of a day in Danforth

    DANFORTH, Maine — Steady rain early Saturday could not dampen the spirits of Danforth residents who came out in force to celebrate the town’s Summerfest.
     Event organizers postponed the start of the town’s parade by one hour in the hope that rain would let up and that is precisely what happened. By noon, the town was basking in the glow of a warm summer day, filled with popular festival food such as sausages and doughboys.
“Friday was a great kick-off for our weekend,” said April Doane, event organizer. “We were a bit down Saturday in terms of vendors, but that’s to be expected because of the rain.”
On Friday, the children’s parade drew about 30 contestants, many of whom dressed up in the Hawaiian theme, Doane said. That evening, the popular “Little Miss” pageant was held at the town hall, with 18 contestants, participating. Unlike previous years, there were no boys in the competition. Ironically, Doane’s daughter Adria was crowned Little Miss Summerfest.
Also on Friday, the volleyball tournament drew five teams, up considerably from year’s past, Doane said.
After the rain stopped Saturday, the parade made its way down Main Street with a number of colorful floats. Danforth Rehab Center’s float won first-place honors in the parade, while second-place went to Peter and Bobbie Joe Russell and third-place went to Philip and Maggie Farley.
In the afternoon, a number of children’s games were held. Jen Gilman won the pie-eating contest; Veronica Crone won the luau dance contest and was also crowned “Mrs. Summerfest” for her enthusiasm throughout the day Saturday.
Pineapple bowling with coconuts was a popular attraction for children Saturday afternoon, as were egg- and balloon-toss competitions. Scott Harrington and Ardis Brown won the first heat of the egg toss, while Brady McEwen and Xavier Merrill won the second heat. Nick Rollins and Jayne Cousins were champs in the water balloon toss.
Other winners for games were: pineapple bowling, Neil Noble, first place and Sherly Tardy, second place; and hula hoop contestants Adria Doane, Jordyn Cowger and Kianna Cassie each tied for first place.