FARMINGTON — Summer Fest kicked off Friday night with a talent show, Farmington’s Got Talent, Susun Terese, Summer Fest committee leader, said. The festival continues Saturday, July 23.

A food court, the Old Courthouse Food Court, will be set up in the parking lot at Church and Main streets with a barbecue, ice cream, kettle corn and Mexican food available.

The Dreamin’ Big Bed Race will be held Saturday evening on Broadway. It will feature a bed race with four team members pushing and one on the bed with a helmet. Costumes are a plus with prizes awarded.

The race takes place at the start of a street dance featuring a large steel drum band, “Flash! In the Pans,” from Blue Hill.

Three-foot sky lanterns sold for $1 will be released at the end of the dance Saturday, if the weather is good, according to Terese, marking the festival’s finale.

Saturday starts with the Farmer’s Market opening at 9 a.m. but most activities take place between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. 

The festival is hosted by the Farmington Downtown Association with area businesses and individuals helping to sponsor the costs.

Some favorite events returning include children’s games and activities all day Saturday in Meetinghouse Park. Sue Jones, postmaster, is once again organizing those events, she said.

The Farmington Historical Society will offer horse-drawn wagon rides with guide Paul Mills. That was popular last year, she said.

Live musical performers, buskers and street performers, crafts and food vendors, firetruck rides and in-store specials are part of the festivities. Animal adoptions will be offered at Pine Tree Cellular.

The Spandits Road Race, a one-miler and 5K, will also take place Saturday on Broadway.

To register for the bed race or float race or for more information, contact Terese at susun@minikins.org, call 491-5533 or stop at her store, Minikins on Broadway.

For more details, go to: downtownfarmington.com/events/farmington-summer-fest

abryant@sunmediagroup.net