Whoopie Pie Festival a true community event

Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom MAGICIAN’S ASSISTANT — Magician Conjuring Carroll Chapman gets a hand from Evalyn Fisk with two of his pet ropes and a moving knot during a performance in the Varney Agency Kids Whoopie Pie Zone last year.

DOVER-FOXCROFT — While the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival was created by the Center Theatre it has grown into an event that brings a large number of local businesses and organizations together for an event that celebrates the community. The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce has taken management of the downtown area and always fills it with an exciting mix of vendors, artists, crafters, food, and entertainment. They are supported by all their members, an active board of directors and the Maine Credit Union League who is sponsoring the downtown festivities this year.

The Center Theatre also has nearly a hundred volunteers helping with the festival and a large group of committed sponsors. Lead sponsors of the Whoopie Pie Festival include Bangor Savings Bank, Dave’s World and U.S. Cellular, The Eastern Gazette and Z107.3.

Patrick Myers, coordinator of the festival, said there are many other local businesses involved, “Several other businesses have stepped up in a big way to support the festival. Will’s  Shop ‘n Save is the official grocer or the festival and is supplying whoopie pies and milk for the Whoopie Pie Eating Contest, the Freedom House Bed and Breakfast is offering a weekend stay in one of their wonderful one-bedroom suites in a contest available to anyone entering the festival. And of course, Varney Insurance Agency is hosting the Varney Agency Kid’s Zone.”

Myers stated that the Kid’s Zone has rides, games, and activities geared for kids and provided by a variety of groups including the Parkman 4-H, Foxcroft Academy, Mayo EMS, and others. There is also a long list of local businesses who sponsor the Whoopie Pie Festival including Berg Activewear, Cavanagh Law Office, Howard Insurance, Mallett Real Estate, Rideout Seasonal Services, Rowell’s Garage, Steinke & Caruso Dental Care, True Textiles, and True Value.

There are many other events going on around Dover-Foxcroft that festival goers can enjoy: The PRYMCA will old the annual Earn Your Whoopie Pie 3K Run/Walk and 1K Kid’s Fun Run at 8 a.m. at the fire station.

The Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society will hold the 2015 summer season grand opening.

The Dover-Cove Farmer’s Market will be open at the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce.

The Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church will be holding its annual rummage sale.

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs will offer free fishing at Kiwanis Park near the PRYMCA.

On Sunday, the 28th Pine Tree Hospice will hold its Golf Open at the Foxcroft Golf Club.

All of this participation, Myers says, makes the Whoopie Pie Festival a true community event. “While the festival is a fundraiser for the Center Theatre, we’re thrilled that so many other community groups and businesses can also benefit from all the visitors that come to town.  I’m personally very proud to be able to host a party that shows off my home town to so many visitors.”

The Whoopie Pie Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. More information can be found at www.MaineWhoopiePieFestival.com .

Observer file photo/Stuart Hedstrom

EYE ON THE BALLS — Comedy juggler Bryson Lang performs his double dodge ball trick during the 2014 Maine Whoopie Pie Festival.