FORT FAIRFIELD – There are some things Maine Potato Blossom Festival attendees can see year after year, including the gigantic parade and the Maine Potato Blossom Pageants.

For the past few years, however, mashed potato wrestling has taken a leave of absence – until now.

That event and a host of other traditional and new activities will be featured this year at the 61st annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield.

The festival began Saturday and will wrap up on Sunday, July 20.

This year’s event coincides with the town’s sesquicentennial celebration, Janet Kelle, executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, said Friday afternoon, so officials are expecting to see a higher than usual turnout at this year’s fete.

“This year’s event has something for everyone,” said Kelle. “We have lots of musical events for people of all ages, including the Don Campbell Trio on July 17 and a street dance featuring Motor Booty Affair on July 19.”

Other events that are sure to attract a crowd include a “Guitar Hero” contest on Wednesday, July 16, and a show by Maine humorist Gary Crocker on Saturday, July 19.

The huge parade is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. Kelle said 50 entrants have signed up already to take part in the parade.

To coincide with the sesquicentennial celebration, the festival also will include events to celebrate the town’s 150th birthday.

A Vintage Fashion Show will be held Thursday and will feature an array of clothing from throughout the town’s history, said Kelle. A Civil War encampment also will be featured as part of the festival, as well as antique farm equipment displays.

The popular mashed potato wrestling event is back on the schedule this year and will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The festival will end with fireworks over the Aroostook River at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20.

For a complete schedule of events, go to www.potato

blossom.org.

jlbdn@ainop.com

532-9257