Summerfest returns to Monson on Saturday
MONSON – Monson Summerfest will return to Main Street on Saturday, July 18 with a full day of community activities and events for residents and visitors.
The annual event will feature activities throughout the day, including a triathlon, craft fair, community fundraisers, pottery demonstrations, face painting, disc golf, cornhole, a dunk tank featuring local residents and an Anything That Floats race.
Additional events include a gallery exhibit, fossil talk and demonstration, a cribbage tournament, games for all ages, a slate-skipping contest and juggling entertainment.
The schedule also includes a dance at 7 p.m. (Monson Finn Hall) and a fireworks display at 9 p.m. (behind the Monson Gym).
WHATEVER CAN FLOAT THEIR BOATS — The annual Anything Floats race was part of the Bicentennial edition of the Monson Summerfest fou years ago. 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. This year’s race will start at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 during the 2026 Monson Summerfest.
The Monson Slater “Try’-Athlon starts at 8 a.m. at the Monson Gym, with registration at 7 a.m., to benefit the Monson Gym Roof Fund.
Participants will run 1.7 miles, paddle a half mile and bike for three miles. FMI contact johnwentworth@gmail.com.
“Summerfest brings together many of the organizations, businesses and volunteers that help make Monson a vibrant Maine community, during one of our favorite times of the year,” Rae O’Leary, owner of the business Monson Magic Honey, said. “The day offers a variety of activities for all ages while highlighting the town’s local traditions and businesses.”
Events begin at 7 a.m. with the Monson Post Office coloring contest and continue throughout the day at locations across downtown Monson. Some events require advance registration or a participation fee, including the triathlon and the Anything That Floats race.
A complete schedule of events can be found online. Additional information is available at MonsonSummerfestInc.com.
The heart of the majestic state of Maine, The Maine Highlands features the state’s highest peak, Katahdin; longest river, the Penobscot; and largest lake, Moosehead. In addition to these natural wonders, the region is also home to Maine’s third-largest city, Bangor, with easy access to major interstates and the Bangor International Airport. Located in the center of Maine, it’s a convergence of outdoor adventure, history and culture within a stunning natural amphitheater of mountains, lakes and woods. To learn more, visit www.themainehighlands.com.