Piscataquis River Festival returns to Guilford on Saturday
GUILFORD — Organizers have released the schedule for this year’s Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday, July 26 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 will be at 8:15 a.m. Entry fee applies, preregister at https://comfitme.com/pages/announcements-events.
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 Piscataquis River Festival parade rolls through town mid-morning, leaving the boat launch on the north end of Route 15 at 10 a.m. The parade will travel through to and past the festival grounds.
AHOY MATEYS! — A Piscataquis Community High School Pirates float was part of the 2023 Piscataquis River Festival in Guilford. The 2025 festival will again feature a parade through town, starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 26.
This year’s grand marshal is singer Julia Gagnon of “American Idol” fame.
The Guilford Memorial Library hosts a book and plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Later the library’s Ms. Sophie will be in the festival Kids Zone from 2-3 p.m. to read stories, play games and more.
Visit the Guilford Historical Society Museum from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10 North Main St. The society will also have baked goods, water and memorabilia for sale.
At the festival grounds enjoy an outdoor shopping day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the vendor fair with over 60 participants. Grab a bite to eat at the food court which is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Kids Zone opens at 11 a.m. with bouncy slides, pony rides, face painting, balloon animals, giant yard games, magic and puppet shows, cake walk, story time, obstacle course, lollipop games and talent show among the activities planned.
A.E. Robinson is sponsoring this year’s live music stage with acts scheduled: 10 a.m. DJ music, 11 a.m. I Want My MTV Retro Band, 1 p.m. Brian Smith, 3 p.m. Josiah Dyer, 5 p.m. Josh Guthrie Band and 7 p.m. Julia Gagnon.
The car show will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll through and talk about all things cars. Thanks to 207 Power Sports everyone can come and check out and enjoy more than 50 vintage, muscle and exotic cars.
Registration for the Recovery Wellness Center 3-point shooting contest begins at noon at the basketball court. There will be different age groups.
Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union sponsors this year’s pie eating contest at 1 p.m. as different age groups will have the opportunity to leave their table manners behind.
Area Masons hosts a duck race on the Piscataquis River starting at 2 p.m.
The festival closes at 4 p.m. but come back to the grounds at dusk for a stunning fireworks display!
For more information go to the event website at https://piscataquisriverfestival.org/ and the event Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PiscataquisRiverFestival/.