UMFK plans yearlong 125th birthday party

FORT KENT – Final preparations are under way at the University of Maine at Fort Kent to commemorate the institution’s 125th anniversary with a year-long celebration beginning in late August and concluding next May.

Festivities officially will start at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, on the grounds of the Acadian Village in Van Buren, when the public is invited to a re-enactment of the first day of classes at the Madawaska Training School, the institution founded in 1878, which later became UMFK.

On Sept. 2-3, UMFK will go into full birthday party mode with lots of cake and festive decorations for the two-day orientation of new students.

Several major activities will be held Sept. 19-21, including the inauguration of Richard W. Cost, UMFK’s ninth president, a 125th community birthday bash, a parade, a gala banquet and dance.

In addition, there will be numerous community events featured as part of Fort Kent’s annual Scarecrow Festival, which the Chamber of Commerce has moved to coincide with the university’s big weekend.

An educational event to mark the official first day of classes at MTS on Sept. 30, 1878, will be held at UMFK on that date this year. It will feature a demonstration of the latest technology available for teaching.

Other events include:

. in October, a historical and haunted scavenger hunt, a joint event with the Fort Kent Business and Professional Women’s Club to honor early women at UMFK, and a day to celebrate diverse cultures at UMFK;

. in November, the fall theatre production by UMFK Performing Arts and the annual Bengal Tip-Off Tournament;

. in December, a special campus and community talent revue honoring the history of UMFK and a winter concert;

. in January, a free community ski night at Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent, and a “live” final round competition ending a four-month long trivia contest;

. in February, a Can-Am Sled Dog Races community reception, and Mardi Gras celebrations including the Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Soiree du Bon Vieux Temps;

. in March, hosting Biathlon World Cup athletes on campus plus other events, and the annual campus “Sucrerie”;

. in April, UMFK Performing Arts presents “UMFK: The Musical,” and an official grand opening for the new Acadian Archives facility will be held;

. in May, a spring concert and commencement weekend activities.

The Blake Library Art Gallery, located on campus, will host several unique exhibits that pay tribute to the university’s history, including a historic photography exhibit, and an original collection of art presented by faculty, friends and alumni of UMFK.

Additional exhibits at the gallery will include a look back at the styles of UMFK over 125 years, an Acadian Culture exhibit, and showing by local middle and high school students of work they will complete that reflects the university’s influence in the community.

The year-long celebration is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to participate.

For more information and a complete listing of events, visit the UMFK 125th Anniversary Celebration website at www.umfk.maine.edu/125 or contact the university relations office at (207) 834-7557.