Celebrate summer the old fashion way at Windham Summerfest by Lorraine Glowczak

Mark your calendars and celebrate summer and community the old fashion way at the annual Windham Summerfest that will occur on Saturday, June 24 and will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. There will be entertainment, live music, vendors and activities for all members of the family to explore and enjoy. 
 

For many longtime residents, the Windham Summerfest brings back memories of their childhood and the summer celebrations of times past. “I remember Windham Old Home Days as a child,” stated Deb Matthews, Chair of the Summerfest Booth Committee. “I remember the family planning a day of fun filled events and seeing our neighbors. I want Summerfest to give the residents of Windham that same feeling. [It is] a safe, fun-filled day to enjoy family, friends and our community.”

Kelly Mank, Summerfest Organizer intends to bring back that old time feel of community. “The purpose of Summerfest is to bring the community together in a fun family like style,” Mank said. “It is an all ages event that is put on by the community for the community. One of the major goals is to offer non-profits the ability to raise money through selling food/crafts during the event.”

There will be a number of booths and vendors to enjoy and many craft stands to discover and shop. There will, of course, be plenty of food booths to fill every palette preference. Family fun games will also be included and will be comprised of activities such as sack races, egg toss, etc.

New to this year’s Summerfest is a Meet Our Community Leaders table so one can meet and have an opportunity to speak with those who serve the community in multiple ways.

Putting such a successful and annual community endeavor together does not come without a lot of hard work, effort and volunteers who give their time. There is always a need for help. “It’s never too late to offer help,” stated Robin Mullins, Summerfest Fundraising Chair. “There are always things to be done, even if it means preparing for next year. We are always looking for people to help us find new and fun ways to raise funds for this worthwhile community event.”

Funding this event takes effort as well. “The event costs over $30,000 each year and financial assistance from local families and businesses is crucial,” Mullins said. “People should be on the lookout for Summerfest jars in local businesses and other Summerfest fundraising events, and help in any way they can.

Despite the fact that it takes funding and determination to create a successful community gathering, the Windham Summerfest is a perfect way to spend the day with your family and members of your community by enjoying the entertainment, eating a variety of foods, purchasing from local vendors and ending it with an evening of firework excitement.

Matthews stated that her favorite part about Summerfest is observing everyone and realizing how much fun they are having. “I so enjoy watching the faces of the kids playing and then watch the faces of their parents and grandparents as they look on.” Mathews stated.

Much like an old fashion and family friendly community festival, the Windham Summerfest will

create memories of summer fun in future generations.

Mullins will always remember a few things about her experiences with Summerfest. “It’s the same for me every year - that moment when the fireworks go off,” Mullins said. “It’s at that moment Kelly [Mank] and I hug. We look around the field filled with people with eyes to the sky, and we say, ‘We did this!  We brought all of these people together to enjoy just one day of fun, entertainment and community.’  It’s really a great feeling and makes all of the hard work and stress so worth it!”

So, indeed, mark your calendars for Saturday June 24 to create memories of your own at this year’s Windham Summerfest. Bring a friend or two.

For an updated list of activities, check out the Windham Summerfest facebook page  or the website at www.windhamsummerfest.com for more information.

*The parade route will begin at Route 202 from the rotary and will travel to Windham High School with most gathering at the Windham Center & Route 202 intersection. <