Paddlers leave the shore decorated with glow sticks for the GlowStick River Run on the Kennebec River as part of River Fest in Skowhegan last year. Photo by Michael G. Seamans

The Skowhegan River Fest, hosted by Main Street Skowhegan, started Sunday and will continue throughout the week.

Designed to showcase the potential of the Kennebec River Gorge as the future home of the Skowhegan River Park, the festival is Skowhegan’s annual multi-day celebration of recreation and life on the Kennebec.

The following events are planned.

Tuesday

National Night Out is planned for 5-8, at Coburn Park on U.S. Route 2. Join the Skowhegan Police Department, Somerset County law enforcement agencies, and local organizations for free burgers and hot dogs, family activities, games, and more.

Thursday

A Standup Paddle Boarding Clinic will held from noon to 3 p.m. at the Cleaver Boat Landing on U.S. Route 2.
The Skowhegan Outdoors team will lead the  paddle boarding clinic, where participants can try out inflatable paddle boards under guided instruction. The Skowhegan Outdoors AmeriCorps Program is an initiative of Main Street Skowhegan; registration required.

Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will begin at 1 p.m. at Lakewood Golf Course, U.S. Route 201 in Madison, hosted by the Skowhegan Regional Chamber of Commerce. Registration includes one round of 18 holes, one ticket for a lobster dinner, and one player’s portion of a cart; registration required

Glow Stick Paddle will begin at 8 p.m. launching from the Cleaver Boat Landing.
Bring some glow sticks and a canoe or kayak for a visually compelling experience. This year Skowhegan Outdoors program facilitators and staff will lead this river paddle. The Skowhegan Outdoors AmeriCorps Program is an initiative of Main Street Skowhegan; register required.

Friday

Move More Kids 5K Run, Walk, Race will begin at 8a.m. starting and ending at Coburn Park.
Join Somerset Public Health for a fun run around Skowhegan. Registration opens at 7:15 a.m.; race start time is 8 a.m. The entry fee is $5 (cash only), proceeds will benefit People Who Care Food Cupboard.
For more informaiont, call 207-431-0174 or email kleblanc@rfgh.net, or register online.

A Fly Fishing Clinic will begin at noon, at Lake George Regional Park on U.S. Route 2.
Join Fins & Furs Adventures and Skowhegan Outdoors to learn the basics of fly fishing; registration required.

The Fossils will perform from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bigelow Brewing on Bigelow Hill Road.

Moonlight Madness is set for 5:30-10 p.m. on Water and Commercial streets.
Organizers have moved this street party to Friday night to maximize the fun. Join the River Fest Committee for family fun in downtown Skowhegan. New this year, they’ve added axe throwing to the mix. Other events include the bed races, the climbing wall, a bounce house, yard games, and other children’s activities.
Live music will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the River Bottom Funk Bank — a fundraiser for the Skowhegan Fire Association. On sites will be a variety of food trucks.

Saturday

Family Fun Day activities are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the  Municipal Parking Lot.
Presented by Skowhegan Parks & Rec, activities include rock-wall climbing, river rock painting, a watermelon-eating contest, and more. Skowhegan Fire Department and Skowhegan Police Department representatives also will be there with a truck and cruisers.
Riverfront Greenspace, behind 151 Water St., will be open where people can enjoy games by the river, including cornhole, Jenga, Connect 4, and Checkers.

The Vendor Fair is set from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Municipal Parking Lot.

Ducky (inflatable kayaks) and Raft Rides through the Gorge will begin at 11 a.m. at the  Skowhegan Gorge (meet in the Riverfront Greenspace behind 151 Water St.).
Join Main Street Skowhegan’s Skowhegan Outdoors Program for a float through the gorge on an inflatable kayak (called a ducky) or a raft; registration required.

Dinner in the Park will begin at 5 p.m., in Coburn Park.
The evening will include a cocktail hour, locally sourced buffet dinner, live auction, live music, and fireworks over the river. Event hosted by Main Street Skowhegan. Proceeds will benefit Skowhegan revitalization projects; tickets required.

Kennebec on Fire Sculpture Lighting will begin at 8 p.m. from the Great Eddy on U.S. Route 2.
Skowhegan’s Kennebec on Fire installation — five metal sculptures with fire braziers — will be lit in the Great Eddy for the evening. Grab a seat at Coburn Park or at Philbrick Beach (at the end of Joyce Street) for the best view.

Fireworks will begin at 9 p.m. at the Great Eddy, in the event of a downpour or severe weather, the rain date will be Sunday, Aug. 7; check the Skowhegan River Fest Facebook page for updates.

Sunday

Merry-Go-Roundup is set for 5-6:15 p.m. at Coburn Park.
Live music and desserts (for purchase) will be available. A Concerts in the Park series event made possible by the Wesserunsett Arts Council, the Coburn Park Commission, and Skowhegan Savings Bank.

For more information, visit runofriver.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!