Summerfest planning is underway, volunteers still needed - by Michelle Libby

Summerfest is officially scheduled for June 21^st on the RSU14 school grounds on Gray Road. The event will kick off with a parade, followed by entertainment, booths supporting businesses and non-profits as well as crafters. The afternoon is filled with activities and as day turns to night, the energy comes alive as people dance and wait for the evening fireworks, a great way to cap off the day long community event.
 

“Last year was phenomenal and we want this year to be even better,” said coordinator Kelly Mank.

Getting involved with Summerfest is easy. Contact someone on the committee or register online to have a booth or to be in the parade. 

The committee is made up of locals who want to see this event succeed. Mank (Time4Printing and The Windham Eagle) is the coordinator again this year, after taking the reins last year. Robert York (Octagon Cleaning and Restoration) and Robin Mullens are coordinating fundraising efforts, while Rick Sanborn (RAS Construction) is heading up the business expo, where business owners will be allowed to sell goods and services with approval, a change from recent years. Ryan Campbell will coordinate the parade and work on making the registration process more streamline. Kathy Varney is again in charge of the booths for non-profits and crafters. The only committee chair they are missing is someone to handle entertainment, which is still being lined up. Volunteers should get in touch with Mank. Meetings are Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. every other week, Mank said. 

“Summerfest has transitioned over the last few years and that’s tough. It’s a town event,” said former coordinator and event founder Ron Eby. “I’d love to see it transition so some groups can see benefits for themselves and the town.”

Fundraising has begun with the mason jars put at businesses around town. The business with the most money in their jars wins a prize. Organizers are hoping that will help spur on donations so that a favorite business will win. 

Summerfest is also looking for event sponsors. 

Eby suggests that organizations that are renting booths use the opportunity to draw a crowd. Offer something to make it a win-win for everyone. 

“It’s great to draw the whole community together. I hope they do it for years to come,” Eby said.

For more information, watch visit www.windhamsummerfest.com for updates or email summerfest@TheWindhamEagle.com.