FARMINGTON — Downtown Farmington will once again fill with music, games, food and family-friendly entertainment July 25 as Summer Fest returns for its 61st year, bringing a full day of activities to Broadway, Church Street and Meetinghouse Park.

Organizers say the free festival, coordinated by the Farmington Downtown Association, continues to grow each year with returning vendors, new attractions and crowds from across Maine and beyond gathering downtown for one of the region’s longest-running summer traditions.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25, traditionally held on the fourth Saturday of July, according to coordinator Susan Minikins, who has overseen the event since 2015.

“The summer festival, by whatever name it has had, has been running continuously for 60 years,” Minikins said. She noted it was not held in 2020 during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, making 2026 the festival’s 61st year.

Upper Broadway and lower Church Street will be closed to traffic during the festival. Meetinghouse Park will feature children’s activities, including a bounce house, petting zoo, games, free sno-cones and music in the gazebo.

Food vendors will be in the Franklin County Employees parking lot at the corner of Main and Church streets, while artisans, nonprofits, businesses and other exhibitors will line both sides of Broadway and Church Street.

Minikins said organizers expect “well over 60 participants,” including entertainers and vendors. She said many returning vendors have reported strong sales in past years while new participants continue to join the event annually.

“There is never any admission charge to the public to attend Summer Fest,” Minikins said. “Meetinghouse Park is always packed with children and families enjoying the many activities.”

Returning events include the Amazing Summer Fest Race, coordinated by Joe Musumeci of Farmington Underground. The competition has grown steadily over the past three years and includes prizes for costumes, speed and team spirit.

The festival will also feature a children’s parade with the theme “Fresh From the Garden.” Minikins said organizers envision children dressed as flowers, vegetables, gardeners and farmers, possibly using wheelbarrows, garden tools and produce as props.

An Elvis tribute performance by Don Boudreau is scheduled for noon on the Broadway Stage, set up on a flatbed trailer loaned by Brady Snowmobiles/ATV and Power Equipment. Minikins described Boudreau as “a talented performer, respectfully replicating Elvis Presley’s look, sound and mannerisms.”

Farmington’s Got Talent will be held starting at 4 p.m., offering prizes for categories including singing, dancing, comedy sketches, costumes, magic acts and instrumental performances. Members of the band Crooked Bill will serve as judges.

A new addition this year is the “Focus on Summer Fest” photo contest. Participants will photograph the festival throughout the day and submit their best images afterward for judging. Organizers will award $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Minikins said organizers hope to use winning photos in future Summer Fest promotions and advertising.

Summer Fest is funded through sponsorships and donations from local businesses, with Franklin Savings Bank serving as a longtime premier sponsor, according to Minikins.

“We are busy for 6 months working to create a great festival for the community,” Minikins wrote while describing the planning process, which includes securing entertainers, arranging permits, designing brochures, organizing parade and talent show logistics and coordinating vendors and sponsors.