Washington Township planning ‘historic’ Mayfest

The Washington Township Community Association is planning a “historic” Mayfest in Fryburg this year.

With the theme of “Hometown Heritage,” the annual festival is celebrating two milestone anniversaries this year the 30th anniversary of Mayfest and 200th anniversary of Fryburg.

It’s actually the “bicentennial plus one” for Fryburg, however, last year’s planned celebration was canceled due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Along with all the favorite activities from previous Mayfest celebrations, the history of the Fryburg area is prominently featured in this year’s Mayfest.

Friday, May 28

Mayfest kicks off Friday, May 28, with a fish fry dinner open to club members and up to three guests from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Fryburg Sportsman Club.

At 7 p.m. at the former St. Michael School parking lot, the 5k fun run and walk will be held with registration beginning at the site at 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 29

Saturday opens at 9 a.m. with hayrides and yard sales throughout the day.

Also at 9 a.m., a craft show started at the Fryburg ball field and rummage and bake sale begins at St. Michael Hall.

Entertainment, including a games, bungee jumping and other free events begin at the ball field.

Beginning at 10 a.m. are the Dragon Fly Balloon artist, tattoos, Marty’s Bubblegum Machine, kids games (ball field), Touch-A-Truck (First United National Bank), the tractor show, the car show and the motorcycle show (all near St. Michael church).

Tours of St. Michael Church begin at 11 a.m. and the Wild World of Animals Show opens at the ball field.

At noon, the honor flag presentation will begin at ball field.

At 12:30 p.m., the Dino ROAR Show begins at the ball field and at 1:30 p.m. is the encore performance of the Wild World of Animals Show begins.

The 30th Mayfest Parade begins at 3 p.m. along Main Street in Fryburg. The floats will center on the theme of Hometown Heritage and the grand marshal is Leon “Chappy” Eisenman.

A second performance of the Dino ROAR show is planned for immediately after the parade.

The evening events begin with a family tailgate party at the church parking lot, featuring activities for the children.

A dance band will perform beginning at 9 p.m. at the Washington House.

Saturday closes out with a fireworks show beginning at dusk.

Sunday, May 30

Sunday focuses on the bicentennial (plus one) celebration.

A church mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Michael Church.

At 11 a.m., the children’s games begin at the ball field and crafts and food vendor booths open.

At noon, a rededication ceremony for the statute in front of St. Michael Church will be conducted.

Also at noon until 1 p.m., a box lunch will be held at St. Michael Hall.

At 1:30 p.m. at the hall, a speaker series will begin, featuring local historians and tales of the early days of the Fryburg area.

At 4 p.m. at St. Michael Church, a cemetery walk will be hosted, featuring the stories of some of the people buried there and history of the cemetery.

The Wrangler Band will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at the ball field.

And finally, from 8 p.m. until midnight, Montana’s Cafe will feature a midnight breakfast.

The schedule listed above is subject to change. Check for updates and changes at fryburgmayfest.com

According to information posted on the website, the Washington Township Community Association is a non-profit organization that is compiled of a group of dedicated people in Western Pennsylvania that formed over 25 years ago to promote the heritage of their small country communities of Fryburg and Marble.

The WTCA organizes and puts on two events.

The first is Mayfest, which occurs during the Memorial Day weekend and the other is Light the Night which is held on the first Saturday in December.

The goal of the association is to provide a wide variety of free and inexpensive family oriented activities and entertainment while celebrating the holidays.

The association is able to do this due to the donations and grants from supporters and sponsors.

Please follow all CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19. Organizers note most of the Mayfest events are held outdoors.