The event started 25 years ago when the Scotts Mills Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary organized a parade.
“The event was such a success that a group of people decided to start the Scotts Mills SummerFest,” said TR Williams, the nonprofit group’s president.
The 25th annual Scotts Mills SummerFest is Aug. 9. The festival begins with a parade at 10 a.m. followed by a day of fun family events.
Williams, 34, remembers being 11 when the he participated in the first parade and pulled his twin nephews in a wagon.
What he enjoys about the SummerFest is that it is a family event with lots of fun and old-fashioned activities.
“The event brings a lot of families to town and it’s a chance for people who live in Scotts Mills to come together,” he said.
The parade is open to anyone who wants to participate, he said. Parade participants must meet at Scotts Mills Elementary School, 805 First St., by 9 a.m. Williams said there will be cash prizes for the entries in the following categories: best family, group, funniest and judge’s choice.
After the parade, he invites people to Grandview and Fourth streets to visit the vendors and food booths. There also will be several raffles for prizes.
Kids’ activities include a pie-eating contest, three-legged race, scavenger hunt, money in the hay, downhill bicycle coast and water balloon toss. The games are free to play.
“I think it’s important to have fun activities for kids because when the kids are entertained, then their parents are entertained too,” he said.
The street vendors and games conclude at 5 p.m. with a street dance scheduled for Saturday evening, Williams said.
Williams, who is a caregiver, said he and the other nine board members dedicated their time to planning the event because they believe in the importance of carrying on a town tradition.
“I get tears in my eyes when I see people enjoying the activities and taking part in SummerFest,” he said.
The money raised at SummerFest goes toward paying for the next year’s expenses including insurance, garbage cans and their collection and portable toilets.
Williams said the nonprofit group also gives a scholarship to students furthering their education.
“I think what makes this all worth it is we are giving back to the community and providing the community a fun thing to do,” Williams said. “We are keeping a town tradition alive. I’ve always wanted to do something for my town and I’m doing it. I like seeing how happy it makes everyone.”
The Scotts Mills SummerFest is still looking for vendors and volunteers. If you are interested, call Williams at home at 503-873-2539, work at 503-873-4285 or 503-428-1894.
