Piscataquis River Festival returns Saturday
GUILFORD — Organizers have released the final schedule for this year’s Piscataquis River Festival on Saturday, July 29 with events at and around the downtown athletic fields on the banks of the river. The festival includes a morning parade, pair of stage shows, and fireworks to cap off the day.
Friends of Community Fitness’ annual Riverfest 5K starts at 7:30 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. and T-shirts available for the first 20 runners to sign up.
The Guilford United Methodist Church, 3 School Street, serves breakfast from 7-9 a.m.
RIVERFEST RETURNS — The Piscataquis River Festival returns to Guilford on Saturday. The 2022 festival featured a morning parade from Elm to Water Street and the Piscataquis Community High School Class of 1972 celebrated its 50th reunion a year ago with a string of vehicles in the procession.
The Guilford Memorial Library holds a book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“Central Maine’s Best Parade” starts at 9:30 a.m. Organizers plan to have the biggest Piscataquis River Festival parade ever, with nearly 20 Anah Temple parade units, floats, and so much more with police and fire units in addition to colorful floats from local businesses and civic organizations.
Vendors and tents open at 11 a.m. with touch-a-truck, food, crafts, games, four bounces houses, water slide, fireman’s hose fountain, beer tent, and more.
HANDS-FREE MUNCHING – The Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union’s pie eating contest is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday in Guilford. Youth in three age groups race to finish their dessert the fastest, regardless of any mess.
At 1 p.m. Non Profit will take to the stage with classic rock ‘n roll.
Also at 1 p.m., hungry young entrants can disregard table manners with Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union’s pie eating contest. Entrants in the 5-8, 9-12, and 13-16 age groups will scarf down for cash prizes.
A rubber duck race — with a $500 prize — starts at 3 p.m.
MOBILE BOOKS — The Guilford Memorial Library had a float in the 2022 Piscataquis River Festival parade.
Billy Blackstone and Freeballin’ perform on the Piscataquis River Festival stage at 5 p.m.
At dusk there will be glo-ball night golf at the Piscataquis Country Club.
A dazzling fireworks display concludes the day at 9 p.m.
For more information on the 2023 Piscataquis River Festival, please see the event page on Facebook.
KEEP ON TRUCKING — Anah Shriners had several groups of their small vehicles in the Piscataquis River Festival parade one year ago, including trucks and cars to entertain spectators.