The Smithfield Leap Year Committee plans to celebrate the town’s “46th anniversary” with a series of free events, both indoors and outdoors, from Thursday, Feb. 29, through Sunday, March 3.
The town was incorporated on Leap Day — Feb. 29, 1840 — and is believed to be the only Maine town with such a claim to fame.
Kicking things off is a child-friendly film, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Municipal Complex, 926 Village Road, where free popcorn will be served. Bring a blanket and get comfortable with the children, according to a news release from Jodie Mosher-Towle, committee member.
Friday night is 21-plus Chad the Hypnotist show. Tickets cost $15 each, with free refreshments. It will begin at 6 p.m. at the Fairview Grange No. 342 at 826 Village Road. Seats are limited; the capacity is 60.
Saturday, March 2, is a full day of happenings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Municipal Complex. Events include horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, tobogganing/sledding, Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, with hot chocolate bar and lunch, courtesy of Smithfield’s volunteer fire department. There also will be a workshop for children to build bird feeders to take home, as well as rock painting. Northern Stars Planetarium dome will present The Wonderful Sky.
There will be a potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. at the Smithfield Baptist Church, 25 Lakeview Drive.
Find more details on Facebook or smithfieldmaine.us.
On Sunday, March 3, the North Pond Association has partnered with the town of Smithfield to host a Northern Pike Fishing Derby from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Pond. Cash prizes will be awarded for adults, $500 for top weigh in and a lifetime fishing license for the youth, 15and younger, who reels in the biggest pike. The weigh-in station will be located in front of the Fairview Grange. Derby tickets are available online.
There will be an ice rink sponsored by the Moonshiners Snowmobile Club on the ice at the Grange, free breakfast bagels from North by East, a hearty lunch for just $5 and various local nonprofit merchandise on sale all at the Grange, along with Just a Kid From Smithfield hoodies made by Catalyst for Change Wear and Smithfield winter hats. Those can be purchased at the Smithfield Municipal Complex in the town office. Derby Awards and Leap Year cake will be served at the Grange at this time.
Find more detailed information the North Pond Association Facebook page.
For more information, call 207-362-4772.
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