DANFORTH, Maine — It was a time to salute all things summer in the community of Danforth over the weekend as the town celebrated its annual Summerfest.
Featuring three fun-filled days of activities, including everything from shopping cart races, a chicken barbecue, poker run, outdoor concerts and fireworks, Danforth Summerfest is often one of the busiest times of the year for residents and visitors alike.
“Our turnout has been excellent,” Danforth Town Manager Ardis Brown said. “We had great attendance for Friday night’s concert and kid’s night. It was just a very enjoyable evening.”
A small, lake-front community located on East Grand Lake, the population of Danforth often swells during the summer as tourists flock to the area to enjoy the area’s beauty. Many of those summer visitors show up for family gatherings, coinciding with the town’s celebration.
Saturday’s parade tied in nicely with this year’s theme of “Upta Camp.” Many of the decorative floats featured people in canoes, or gathered around pretend campfires.
“We see a lot of familiar faces,” Brown said. “We have a lot of seasonal (residents) who come home for the summer.”
As luck would have it, this year’s festival coincided with one of the hottest weekends of the year when temperatures soared into the low 90s. In fact, during Brown’s five-year tenure as Danforth’s manager, the summer festival has never seen a rainy weekend.
“We have been really fortunate with the weather,” she said. “It takes a lot to make this event happen. Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
DANFORTH, Maine — August 6, 2022 — The Danforth town library was bustling with activity Saturday morning as part of the town’s annual Summerfest event. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 6, 2022 — The Anah Temple Shriner Clowns were out in force Saturday for the Danforth Summerfest parade. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 6, 2022 — A member of the Danforth Fire Department tosses candy from a fire truck Saturday at the Danforth Summerfest parade. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 6, 2022 — A variety of craft vendors were set up along the streets of downtown Danforth Saturday as part of the town’s Summerfest event. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
DANFORTH, Maine — August 6, 2022 — Excited children await the start of the Danforth Summerfest parade in hopes of getting some candy. (Joseph Cyr | Houlton Pioneer Times)
