The Street Fair is always jam-packed with vendors, lining both sides of the street, like shown here in 2015. (Photo by Jayna Smith)
Street Fair, Live Auction, Pizza Eating Contest, and More Set for Saturday Downtown
Jayna Smith
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Saturday of St. Croix Homecoming Festival promises to be a fun one, with many events scheduled downtown throughout the day. In fact, nearly all events that are normally held in Calais on the Saturday of International Homecoming Festival are back, with the exception of the international parade.
A highlight of the day will be the Street Fair, an annual event sponsored by St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce. Main Street will be closed for the event to all vehicle traffic throughout the day from the traffic lights to the entrance to Unobskey Plaza.
Vendor booths and food trucks will line both sides of the street and will open at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. According to chamber director Kara Mitchell, attendees will find wares available for sale from numerous sellers. “People can expect to have a good mix of food vendors, artisans selling crafts and novelty items...raffles, information booths, kids’ games and toys…” she said.
“The chamber has struggled in 2020 due to the pandemic and not being able to host events. We are thankful to still be serving the community,” Mitchell explained. “The street fair takes a lot of organizing, but is beneficial to the chamber. It has a long history and we have vendors that are dedicated to the area and return every year.”
Some always-popular booths returning to the Street Fair this year will be the Calais Lioness Super Draw and Rachel Ashley Jewelers famous grab bags.
A highlight of the day will be the Street Fair, an annual event sponsored by St. Croix Valley Chamber of Commerce. Main Street will be closed for the event to all vehicle traffic throughout the day from the traffic lights to the entrance to Unobskey Plaza.
Vendor booths and food trucks will line both sides of the street and will open at 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. According to chamber director Kara Mitchell, attendees will find wares available for sale from numerous sellers. “People can expect to have a good mix of food vendors, artisans selling crafts and novelty items...raffles, information booths, kids’ games and toys…” she said.
“The chamber has struggled in 2020 due to the pandemic and not being able to host events. We are thankful to still be serving the community,” Mitchell explained. “The street fair takes a lot of organizing, but is beneficial to the chamber. It has a long history and we have vendors that are dedicated to the area and return every year.”
Some always-popular booths returning to the Street Fair this year will be the Calais Lioness Super Draw and Rachel Ashley Jewelers famous grab bags.
Kids will want to be sure to stop in to the Maine State Visitor Information Center on Union Street. There, coloring pages and crayons will be available for free, along with popsicles and reflective safety bracelets, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to visitor center manager Vicki Farrell, the Wabanaki Culture Center will also be open with its fun touch tank and exhibits.
In past years of festival, children’s costume parades have taken place. This year, one is back, but it is for individuals and groups of all ages. The Princess, Pirate, and Super Hero Parade will assemble just before 11 a.m. behind Camden Bank, and all family-friendly costumes are acceptable. The participants will march across Main Street during the Street Fair for all to see.
In past years of festival, children’s costume parades have taken place. This year, one is back, but it is for individuals and groups of all ages. The Princess, Pirate, and Super Hero Parade will assemble just before 11 a.m. behind Camden Bank, and all family-friendly costumes are acceptable. The participants will march across Main Street during the Street Fair for all to see.
Calais Free Library has joined in on the fun and will offer free face painting. Kids can visit there from 12 to 2 p.m. to take part in the face painting, and the library will be open for regular Saturday hours.
Also beginning at noon is the annual Lions Club Auction. The popular event will be held in its usual location behind the Weenie Wagon, right in the parking lot adjacent to Camden Bank.
Always a huge draw to Triangle Park is Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria’s Soda Drinking and Pizza Eating Contests. This year’s fun will begin at 4 p.m. with the kids’ soda drinking contest. All kids ages 9 to 17 can take part. Then, adults can prove their love for pizza in the Pizza Eating Contest. All the details are available right at Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria, or by calling them at 454-8400.
The St. Croix Homecoming Festival will conclude with the Alan Cook Concert in the Park at 6 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 8:45 p.m.
Also beginning at noon is the annual Lions Club Auction. The popular event will be held in its usual location behind the Weenie Wagon, right in the parking lot adjacent to Camden Bank.
Always a huge draw to Triangle Park is Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria’s Soda Drinking and Pizza Eating Contests. This year’s fun will begin at 4 p.m. with the kids’ soda drinking contest. All kids ages 9 to 17 can take part. Then, adults can prove their love for pizza in the Pizza Eating Contest. All the details are available right at Jo’s Diner & Pizzeria, or by calling them at 454-8400.
The St. Croix Homecoming Festival will conclude with the Alan Cook Concert in the Park at 6 p.m., followed by the fireworks display at 8:45 p.m.
