American humorist and actor Will Rogers once said, “We can’t all be heroes, because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” Whether you are into comic book heroes of the caped crusader variety or the real superheroes – our military service personnel, fire and emergency volunteers, teachers, and law enforcement personnel – you will have plenty to cheer about at the upcoming Caroline Summerfest.
This free family festival will take place Friday, August 20 from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, August 21 from 2 to 10 p.m. in historic downtown Denton. The rain date for Saturday only is Sunday, August 22nd.
Now in its 22nd year the Caroline Summerfest is the traditional end of the summer celebration for area families. The festival features three stages of regional and local entertainment, a Friday pedestrian parade, Saturday fireworks show, strolling performers, free KidzArt activities and food and gaming vendors benefiting local non-profits. Free parking and shuttle bus transportation is available from the Health and Public Services Building off 6th Street (across from Fire Hall) on both days.
Get in touch with your inner hero
“Each year a new theme is selected. It’s simply an effort to keep our programming ideas fresh,” says Sue Simmons, director Caroline County Recreation and Parks. “And to keep it fun!” she adds.
Although some of us may have red tights, the cape or the magic Lasso of Truth may be a tough find, however everyone can celebrate this year’s theme. The general public can participate in the pedestrian parade in costume or with a pedestrian pulled float in one of four entry categories. Registration is free with cash prizes and trophies for winning entries. Registration can be completed in advance or the day of the event in front of the Denton Town Hall on Third Street.
Local non-profit vendors are encouraged to decorate their booths for the superhero theme to win the $100 cash prize for the best decorated booth.
Caroline Summerfest 2010 highlights include:
• Musical performances on three stages including Mike Hines and The Look, Kentavius Jones, New and Used Bluegrass, the Jones Boys, Tony Boyton and the Remnants and The Grandsons.
• Car show and cruize-in on Friday and Saturday. Sponsored by the Preston Automotive Group, the Friday evening Cruize-In and Saturday judged car show provides fun for the whole family.
• Pedestrian and mini-wagon parade. The parade steps off at Third and Market streets at 7 p.m. on Friday.
• Fireworks display at 10 p.m. on Saturday on Market Street. New this year is the Chesapeake Community Band, a 25-piece orchestra, which will perform on the Summerfest Main Stage treating the audience to traditional Souza marches, Pops music and an orchestral repertoire. The finale is Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture synchronized to the fireworks display launched from the bottom of Market Street.
Lots of free kids events
Unique to Caroline Summerfest is the extensive selection of free kid-friendly activities. Featured entertainers include magicians and street performers such as variety performer Paul Belanger. The kids can also get their own creative juices flowing at KidZart, a free arts and crafts zone. Other kids programs include Boxtown U.S.A. Here kids create cities, forts, tents, hiding places and adventure with appliance boxes, chalk and plenty of imagination. Volunteers will be on hand to cut the windows door and escape hatches to each child’s specification. In addition, slides, rides and games, a rock wall, face painting, sand sculpting and other activities will keep the kids busy for hours.
Caroline Summerfest is a pet-free, wheel-free and alcohol-free event. Park your bicycle, scooters and skateboards on the bike racks located at Third and Gay Street. For more information, call (410) 479-8120 or toll-free (888) SUNFEST (786-3378) or visit www.carolinesummerfest.com.
Caroline Summerfest began in 1989 as a one-night, one-block party celebration for nearly 1,000 cyclists in the inaugural Cycle Across Maryland event. The festival is supported in part by a grant from the Caroline County Council of Arts, the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Tourism Development Board. The Town of Denton and Caroline County Recreation and Parks produce the event with the volunteer support of hundreds of citizens and local non-profit organizations. More than 100 area businesses support the festival through donations and in-kind gifts.