August Fest includes vendors, tribute wall

5 years ago

WASHBURN, Maine — The Washburn August Festival committee has announced details of a craft and vendor fair and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute Wall, which will take place during the Aug. 14-18 festival.

With collaboration from the Rotary Club of Washburn and the American Legion Oscar Dow Post 48, the August Festival will host the tribute wall for viewing by the public 24 hours a day.

The wall will arrive late on the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 14, escorted from the University of Maine at Presque Isle to Washburn by the Legion Riders and various veteran organizations.

At 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15, crews will set up the display on the soccer field behind the Salmon Brook Historical Society barn, with access to the site via School Street. Official opening ceremonies will take place at 1 p.m., after which the wall will be open 24 hours until its official closing at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18.

The August Festival will host ceremonies each day, including: Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans, 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16; Welcome Home ceremony honoring all Vietnam veterans and wall honorees, 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17; and closing ceremonies at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18.

The annual August Festival parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and will carry a “welcome home” theme for Vietnam veterans.

This year’s craft and vendor fair will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, in the town park and around the historical society’s agricultural museum, rain or shine. Vendors can set up starting at 8 a.m. for a small donation; proceeds will benefit the August Festival Committee.

To register as a vendor, contact Lisa Wark at lisawarkgwc@gmail.com or 227-1872.