Summerfest in Monson on Saturday
MONSON — Monson’s Summerfest takes place Saturday, July 20, an annual celebration of all things summer. The day is packed with a full schedule of fun for all ages. Everyone is invited to come join in on the fun. For more, go to the town Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TownofMonsonME.
Start with the Slater Triathlon, join in the parade, browse the craft fair, visit the art galleries, test your engineering skills in the “Anything That Floats” race, and so much more. End the day with a spectacular firework display. Bring your camp chairs and picnic blankets.
WHATEVER CAN FLOAT THEIR BOATS – The annual Anything Floats race was part of the Bicentennial edition of the Monson Summerfest on Saturday afternoon. Two entrants in 2022 raced their homemade crafts from the boat launch across the Lake Hebron cove to the Lakeshore House dock. The all-girls “The Sweet Frogs” team, right, reached the finish line first before a trio of boys with their craft.
See the full schedule and join us July 20 all day long — rain or shine!
7:30 a.m. Slater Triathlon, $10 registration at gym, starts at 8 a.m. Run two miles, paddle across the lake, bike into town.
7 a.m. to 3 p.m. coloring contest at the Monson Post Office, judging at 3 p.m.
9 a.m. opening parade, assemble at AE Robinson. Bring your bikes, silly costumes, dogs and cats, lizards … anything that moves!
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. sidewalk craft fair on Main Street. Vendors will share their works of art, food, and more!
9:30-11 a.m. kids games immediately following the parade on the Green behind the Gallery.
10–11:30 a.m. Pickleball demo, skate park by the playground.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bernice Abbott exhibit at Monson Gallery.
NOT DAMPENING THEIR ENTHUSIASM — Some young parade participants threw out candy during a parade to kick off Monson Summerfest on the morning of Saturday, July 15. They joined several Monson fire trucks in the downtown procession at the start of a day of events.
10 a.m. to noon throwing demonstrations and give-it-a-go (kids welcome) Monson Pottery.
10 a.m. noon face paint at Monson General Store with a pie contest for adults and youth at 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. cheese tasting.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. meet local artists and check out the Monson Gallery Store.
11 a.m. Author Jeff Ryan speaks on Terris Moore’s climb of Minya Konka at the Moore Community Space.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monson Pottery throwing demonstration, give-it-a-go and kids welcome.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. cornhole tourney on the grass by the gazebo.
12 p.m. Cindy Pullyard barn quilt painting Monson town quilt painting activity at the Artisan Cottage next to the Monson Historical Society.
1-2 p.m. kids activity and disc golf, Monson Public Library.
1:30–3:30 p.m. cribbage tournament at Moore Community Space. Prizes for top three finishers.
2:30 p.m. Anything Floats Race at Boat Launch — $5 entrance fee for ages 7 and up.
3 p.m. Farm tour at Farm in the Woods.
3:30 p.m.Center Theatre’s Monson Drama Camp/Traveling Shorts, behind the Gallery.
4:15 p.m. Center Theatre Shorts behind the Gallery.
5 p.m. Monson Academy Alumni banquet in the gym.
7-10 p.m. Finn Dance at the Finn Hall on the Tenney Hill Road.
9 p.m. fireworks behind the gym.
Open throughout the day:
A.E. Robinson Convenience Store 9 p.m.
Monson General Store until 7 p.m.
Pleasant and Center Cafe 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Farm in the Woods 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Monson Historical Museum 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Poets Gear Emporium 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monson Art Gallery 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Gascoine Gallery 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lily Cat Antiques and Buttons 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monson General Scoops 12-7 p.m.
Spring Creek BBQ 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Turning Page Farm Brewery 12-6 p.m.
Lakeshore House 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with music from 1-4 p.m. by Whisky Dan and 5-8 p.m. by Jack Duggins.
Leapin’ Lena’s TBD
Rest Day Sauna TBD
The Quarry, reservation only