Friday, October 21, 2011

Town Readies for Eighth Annual OgunquitFest

OGUNQUIT—
For the eighth year in a row, Ogunquit has prepped the cornstalks and decorated the scarecrows in anticipation of the town’s annual harvest celebration, OgunquitFest. From Friday, October 21 through Sunday, October 23, the town is transformed into a Halloween extravaganza, offering activities, events and entertainment for visitors and locals alike.
On Friday and Saturday, muster your courage and visit the Catacombs and Maze at Ogunquit Village School on School Street from 6 to 10 p.m. each night. The Haunted Catacombs are not appropriate for children under 10, but the maze welcomes all ages. Be sure to pick up a $1 coupon in the Ogunquit Fall Festivals brochure, presented by The Weekly Sentinel and found throughout the town.
On Saturday, enjoy a Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Beach parking lot. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. While you’re down there, take a stroll through the Autumn Bazaar and hop on the Roaming Railroad for a scenic break, both of which will also be available on Sunday. Horse-drawn wagon rides are fun for the whole family from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Veterans Park. Kids can enjoy the Great Pumpkin Patch Presentation and Cookie Monster Decorating from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Dunaway Center on School Street, plus Fall Storytelling from 4 to 5 p.m. in the same place.
Also on Saturday, get out your stilettos for the “highly” anticipated High Heel Dash and Walk-Off at 3 p.m. in Perkins Cove. Brave souls race around the Cove in high heels with trophies awarded for Best Time, Highest Heel and Most Outrageous Costume. Proceeds from registration support the Frannie Peabody Center. And don’t forget your flashlight on the Ghostly Tours, presented by the Ogunquit Heritage Museum on Obeds Lane from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There might be more to Ogunquit’s nightlife than meets the eye!
On Sunday, everyone joins together for a Costume Parade from Ogunquit Square to Main Beach, with adults, children and canines welcome! Parade starts at 11 a.m. And be sure to find a viewing spot for one of the biggest events of the season: the Bridge to Beach Bed Race. It’s utter bedlam as teams zoom down Beach Street with decorated beds and king-sized enthusiasm. Vote on your favorite as teams raise money for nonprofits and vie for the People’s Choice Award. Most Beautiful Bed and Broken Spring winners will also be selected.
All outdoor events are weather permitting, but Ogunquit is hoping for sunny skies as volunteers put the finishing touches on the weekend’s decorations and events. As you walk around town, don’t forget to vote for your favorite scarecrow display! Ballot boxes will be located throughout town through Saturday, October 22. The Ogunquit Catacombs and Maze will also reprise their fright on Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29, just in time for Halloween.
For more information on any of the OgunquitFest events, contact the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce at (207) 646-2939, visit the Ogunquit Welcome Center at 36 Main Street, Ogunquit, visit www.visitogunquit.org, or pick up one of the Ogunquit Fall Festivals brochures presented by The Weekly Sentinel, available online or throughout Ogunquit.
Photo caption: Ogunquit will celebrate its 8th annual OgunquitFest this weekend with children’s activities, haunted happenings and family fun. (Photo by Molly McCoy)