A scene from a previous Maine Whoopie Pie Festival in downtown Dover-Foxcroft. This year’s festival is planned for June 25. Submitted photo

After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is set to return Saturday, June 25 to downtown Dover-Foxcroft. The festival, which began in 2009, celebrates the taste of Maine’s official state treat, the Whoopie Pie.

The festival is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and organizers say there will be more than 20 bakers and tens of thousands of whoopie pies. Along with whoopie pies, there is live music, rides and games for the kids, artists, crafters, vendors, and a lot of food, games, and activities for everyone, according to a news release from Center Theatre for the Performing Arts.

According to festival organizer Patrick Myers, the festival admission will remain the same as in years past. Admission is $5 per person with kids 12 and younger free.

“We have all seen prices going up on lots of items, but we wanted to hold the line and provide the people of Maine with the same sweet deal as always,” said Myers.

Myers says that while there have been some challenges getting the festival re-started after the COVID-19 pandemic, he is pleased that things are proceeding pretty close to normal. “Some bakers aren’t able to attend because of staffing issues, but we have several new bakers involved this year, which means that we will have plenty of whoopie pies. Most of the usual events and activities will be happening, including live music by the Doughty Hill Band, our whoopie pie eating contests, magic shows, and lots more.”

When arriving in Dover-Foxcroft, look for the yellow Festival Parking signs to the Piscataquis Valley Fairgrounds. After parking at the fairgrounds, catch a shuttle downtown to reach the festival.

“There is no way to find a parking space in Dover on Festival day,” said Myers. “You’ll save time and frustration if you just go to the fairgrounds and catch a shuttle.”

The festival, organized by the Center Theatre and the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce, is the largest annual fundraiser for both organizations. There are also dozens of other businesses and organizations that have events and activities at and around the festival. In particular, the Center Theatre is having a concert by the renowned gypsy jazz band Mes Amis the night of the Festival at 7 p.m.

The mission of the Center Theatre is to make arts, education, and entertainment accessible to rural communities to engage and inspire.

For more information, visit mainewhoopiepiefestival.com.