Festival of Fun INORONO

For the 34th consecutive year, the Orono Parks & Recreation Department have successfully hosted the Orono Village Festival Day.  Originally a Spring event, the Festival Day was moved to "late summer" about nine years ago as a means to welcome everyone in town back.  By welcome back they mean welcome the school kids back for a new school year, welcome new and returning University students, welcome new and returning faculty and welcome Alumni who might be bringing their own kids to Orono.

The 2011 Orono Village Festival was sponsored by Parks & Rec, Key Club, the Bear Brew Pub, the Thai Orchid, Verve and Pat's Pizza but was supplemented by a large contingent of dedicated volunteers from the Police Department, the Public Works and lots of others.  As in past years the day kicked off with the Daughters of Isabella's annual breakfast at the Fire Station followed by a road race. Soon Mill Street began filling up with folks coming to listen to live music and visit the booths of vendors of local art and crafts, food and drink along with fundraisers for local churches, Orono High School and various local organizations and political causes.

But really, it's all about the children.

Face painting, a bounce house and lots of games kept the kids, big and small alike, busy for hours.  There were lots of hugs, smiles, handshakes and laughter as the Community came together on a beautiful late summer day to celebrate in our Village and our community.

So if you missed it, remember the Orono Village Festival will be back for it's 35th year next year, right after school starts, downtown in the village, with open arms to all who want to share and participate; yet another great happening -- INORONO!