SCARBOROUGH — The town’s annual summer festival returns for its 21st year this month with the addition of an online auction to raise money to help residents participate in town-sponsored programs.

Summerfest kicks off at 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Scarborough High School athletic fields at 11 Municipal Drive, and concludes at 10 p.m.

The free event began in the 1990s to raise money to pay for lighting on the athletic fields and has continued annually.

This year, the festival will be include the Wild Kratts Live Animal Show provided by Wildlife Animal Encounters at 5 p.m., with the band Mullet taking the main stage at 7 p.m. for a 1980s hair-band experience. Fireworks will cap off the evening, starting at 9:15 p.m. 

There will also be a 5K road race and kids one-mile run. Registration for both begins at 4:30 p.m., with the kids’ race starting at 6 p.m. and the 5K at 6:30 p.m. Register for the 5K through https://bit.ly/2O3r7a; proceeds will benefit Scarborough track and cross-country programs. Participants will get a free T-shirt if they register by Aug. 12. Plaques will be awarded to the first male and female finishers. Medals will be given to the top three finishers in each age group. 

According to the town, one of the goals of the annual event is to assist local nonprofits – including service organizations, school sports groups, and several local churches – with their fundraising efforts. Vendors offer everything from activities, games, and crafts to dinner and dessert items, or raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes.

While admission is free, some activities and games may cost a nominal fee or donation.

Nicole Hall, of Scarborough Community Services, said the festival, which is the town’s largest sponsored event, wraps up the summer season, with people coming together before the start of school or college.

“It’s a really good night,” she said. 

The proceeds from the online auction will fund scholarships for local youth, adults, and seniors to participate in programs, trips, and special events offered through Community Services. 

Historically, Hall said, the town would pay for such activities. But it was decided this year to try to raise money to make sure the program remains fiscally responsible and sound. 

Hall said 25 to 30 families benefit from the assistance each year. 

Goods and experiences donated by local businesses, organizations, and individuals will be auctioned, including VIP access to the Wildlife Encounters Show. There are 24 spots available that will allow people to see the animals up close backstage after the show.

Juliette Laaka can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or at jlaaka@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter @JulietteLaaka. 

Scarborough’s Summerfest returns this year with activities for all ages.

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