Pioneer Days begin Monday, August 8

by Staff Pioneer Times
13 years ago

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    PATTEN — One of the area’s largest celebrations — Patten Pioneer Days — will once again offer seven full days of fun and excitement. This year’s festival has a theme of “Cultures Around the World.”
    “Pioneer Days has gone on for more than 40 years,” said Karen McGraw, one of the event’s organizers. “This year will be the Lumbermans’ Museum’s 46th annual bean hole bean dinner. As far as turnout, last year we feel the weather played a huge part. We are all hoping for another week of great weather this year.”
    A large, and highly decorated parade will feature two groups of Shriners this year, while residents will be challenged to come up with clever floats based on the theme.
    Some of our popular events are the pageant, the childrens’ parade and the progressive lunch. Among the new events slated this year are Deb’s Deli’s “Tour of Italy” along with an appearance by the Veteran’s Mobile Center.
    The Patten Pentecostal Vacation Bible School will be held Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 3-14.
    The following is a recap of the week-long schedule of events.
Monday, Aug. 8
    9 a.m.-noon — Free CPR certification training at the Patten Rec Department. For more information, call 528-2215. Sponsored by Patten Ambulance
    12:30 p.m. — Teddy Bear Picnic for up to age 7 in the park. Bring your own picnic lunch, blanket and favorite teddy bear. Sponsored by Debbie’s Deli and Nason’s Rustoration.
    5 p.m. — Frog jumping contest for ages 4-14 at the ball field. Participants must bring their own frog. Sponsored by Craig’s Clam Shop.
    6 p.m. — Bingo at the Patten Rec Department. Doors open at 5 p.m. Must be 16 or older to play.
Tuesday, Aug. 9
    1 p.m. — Field Day for ages 4-14 at the ball field.
    3:30 p.m. — Watermelon eating contest for ages 4-14 at the ballpark. Sponsored by Ellis Family Market.
    6:30 p.m. — Jeremiah’s Corner (Addiction Awareness) at United Methodist Church, showing the movie “Lost in Woonsocket” and popcorn.
Wednesday, Aug. 10
    1 p.m. — Bird Show at Patten Rec Dept. Get photos with the birds and do crafts.
    4-9 p.m. — Car Hop at Craig’s Clam Shop. Entertainment will be provided.
    6 p.m. — Patten Pioneer Days Pageant at the Patten Rec Department. Sponsored by Patten Drug Co.
Thursday, Aug. 11
    9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Book Sale at Veteran’s Memorial Library.
    1 p.m. — Sidewalk Chalk Contest and Sundae Decorating at Patten Town Office for ages 4-12.
    2-4 p.m. — Mountain Heights Health Care Facility Open House. Refreshments, door prizes, tours and free blood pressure checks. Visit all departments and get a prize.
    4-9 p.m. — Debbie’s Deli and Pizza “Tour of Italy.” Also serving all you can eat spaghetti and meatballs. Door prizes and coloring contest for the kids.
    5-7 p.m. — Evening at the Museum at Lumberman’s Museum.
    5:45 p.m. — ATV Ride, meeting at Hangar Pizza at 5:45 p.m. Sponsored by Patten ATV Club.
    6-8 p.m. — Zumba Dance Party at Patten Rec Dept.
Friday, Aug. 12
    9 a.m.-noon — Book sale at Veteran’s Memorial Library.
    11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Main Street progressive lunch (while supplies last), start at Craig’s Clam Shop for container and then travel around town from business to business collecting your lunch. Participating businesses include: Craig’s Clam Shop, EastMill FCU, Dead River, Debbie’s Deli, Katahdin Trust Co., Ellis Family Market, United Methodist Church, Magic Wand Car Wash, Richardson’s Hardware, Daisy Boutique and Red Moose. Visit all locations, win a prize and enter a raffle to win a gift certificate donated by Hangar Pizza
    Noon-2 p.m. — Book signing by Tim Caverly, children’s author of “Allagash Tails,” at Debbie’s Deli.
    1 p.m. — Children’s parade for up to age 12 from Main Street to Founders Street. Line up begins at the Patten Fire Dept at 12:45 p.m. Sponsored by samantharichardsonphotography.com
    5-7 p.m. — BBQ and silent auction at Shin Pond Village. Sponsored by Mt. Chase Fire Dept.
    9 p.m. — Fireworks at Shin Pond Village.
    9 p.m.-1 a.m. — Adult Dance at Shin Pond Pub.
Saturday, Aug. 13
    9 a.m. — Caribou VFW Mobile Center at the park. Providing readjustments counseling and information resources to veterans.
    10 a.m. — Main Street parade. First-, second- and third-place will be awarded, plus an additional trophy for “Best Themed.” Anyone wishing to put a float in the parade, please call 528-2215 to register.
    10 a.m. — Pie sale at the park, serving pie a la mode. Sponsored by: United Methodist Women
    10 a.m. — Flea Market / Craft Fair at the park.
    10 a.m. — Playground Committee hot dog stand at the park, featuring hot dogs, sausage, chili, chili dogs and crinks.
    10 a.m.-3 p.m. — The Patten Historical Society will hold an Open House.
    11 a.m. -2p.m. — Children’s Carnival at the ballfield.
    11 a.m.-4 p.m. — Bean Hole Bean Dinner at Lumberman’s Museum.
    11 a.m. — Cow Patty Bingo at Richardson’s Hardware. The cost is $5 a plot. Sponsored by Richardson’s Hardware.
    11 a.m. — Foul Shooting / 3-on-3 contests at the basketball courts for grades 3-12.
    11 A.m. — MacDonald’s Farm Petting Zoo at the park.
    11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. — Bingo at the park. Cash payouts, must be 16 years or older to play.
    Noon — Volleyball tournament at the volleyball court. The cost is $20 per team and must include one female per team. Call 528-2215 to register.
    1-3 p.m. — Patten Historical Society presentation by the Patten Women’s Club.
    1 p.m. — Fireman Fred performance at the park.
    4:30-6:30 p.m. — Mason’s steak dinner at KVHC parking lot
    5:30 p.m. — Golden Ticket bike giveaway at ball field.
    5:45 p.m. — 50/50 winner announced at the ball field.
    6 p.m .— Homerun Derby at the ball field.
    7 p.m. — Candy Drop at Hangar Pizza for children 12 and younger.
    9 p.m.-1 a.m. — Adult Dance at the Patten Rec Department, with D.J. Shawn Rigby. (BYOB) Cover charge is $5.
Sunday, Aug. 14
    9 a.m. — Community Church Service at the park. All are welcome, featuring human prayer chain (healing for the addicted and their loved ones) after church service on the west side of Main St. Church Bells will ring for the half hour of prayer & John Birmingham will perform on the Historical Society’s porch
    10:30 a.m. — Coed Softball Tournament at the ball field. The cost is $20 per team, which must include three females. Call 528-2215 to register.
    1 p.m. — Auction at Hangar Pizza, sponsored by Patten ATV Club.