Piscataquis River Festival returns to Guilford on Saturday

GUILFORD — Organizers have released the schedule for this year’s Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday, July 27 with events at and around the downtown athletic fields on the banks of the river.

Start the day with Friends of Community Fitness’ festival 5K at 7:30 a.m. at the Gaw Athletic Field, registration is at 7 a.m. and a kids fun run at 8:15 a.m. Entry fee applies, preregister at https://comfitme.com/products/riverfest-5k.

The Guilford United Methodist Church, 3 School Street, serves a public breakfast by donation from 7:30-9 a.m. for dining in or for grab and go. The menu includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fried potatoes, sausage, baked beans, sausage gravy with biscuits, toast, muffins, coffee, and juice.

A doubles tennis tournament, single elimination, starts with the first matches at 9 a.m. to benefit the PCHS tennis program. Cash prizes awarded for first and second place.

There is a $20 registration free, contact PCHS tennis head coach Emily Wilson at ewilson@sad4.org to register. Registered teams will be emailed an estimated individual match time once brackets are set.

The Guilford Memorial Library hosts a book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community Room.

The River Festival parade rolls through town mid-morning, leaving by the boat launch on the north end of Route 15 at 10 a.m. and the procession will travel through town and past the festival grounds.

Visit the Guilford Historical Society Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at  10 North Main Street. Check out the new school room and other displays. The historical society will also have baked goods, water, and memorabilia for sale.

On the festival grounds enjoy an outdoor shopping day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the vendor fair with over 60 participants. Also grab a bite to eat at the food court.

On the Maine Highlands FCU Entertainment Stage, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., local favorite DJ Bobby Hartford will keep the crowd informed and entertained while he plays music and emcee’s the day’s events. Join in on some fun games in front of the stage.

The Fossils perform live from 2-3 p.m. and will play a cool 1970s vibe.

Penquis Elite Cheer + Tumble,hosts a youth learn to cheer and tumble clinic.

Two Knights Brewing Company hosts a beer garden, also featuring the unique brews of East Outlet Brewing and Turning Page Farm Brewery

The Central Maine Racing Foundation Car Show will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll through and talk all things cars. Trophies to be awarded for Best in Show. Raffle tickets will also be available for sale for a complete car detailing bundle at $5 each or five for $25. Raffle proceeds benefit the PCSS outdoor education program.

Register for the Free Throw Contest at 10 a.m. at the Recovery Wellness Initiative booth, across from the Tumble Tent, for a $10 entry fee. The contest begins at 11:30 a.m. on the basketball court.

All donations to benefit the Recovery Wellness Initiative. Age groups are under 18 boys, under 18 girls, 18-plus men, and 18-plus women. First place in each division receives $50 to Eli’s Market and a champion T-shirt.

Eli’s Youth Pie Eating contest will be at the Maine Highlands FCU Entertainment stage. Registration opens at 12:15 p.m. at the booth in front of the stage with the contest starting at 1:30 p.m.

Contest age groups are 5-7, 8-10, 11-13, and 14-17. Prizes are first place $20, second $15, and third $10.

A pickleball open play and demonstration will be from 1-2 p.m. on the court behind Friends of Community fitness (31 High Street).

The 2024 Piscataquis River Festival closes at 4 p.m. but at dusk fireworks will be in the sky over the festival grounds.

For more information, go to https://townofguilford.com/piscataquisriverfestival/ or the event Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PiscataquisRiverFestival.