Maine West to host festival benefiting athletic programs

The Maine West athletic boosters will host their third annual West Fest this Thursday, June 20, through Sunday, June 23, to benefit the school’s athletic programs.

Entertainment attractions include carnival rides, a large petting zoo, dance music provided by radio stations B96 and 103.5 KISS FM, a talent show and a craft show. Five food vendors will provide refreshments.

The festival opens Thursday at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30 p.m., with the main attractions being entertainment by B96. Friday opens again at 6 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m., with more B96 entertainment.

Saturday and Sunday boast more activity, with the festival opening at 9 a.m. and going until 11:30 p.m. Saturday, while Sunday closes at 10:30 p.m.

The craft show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and allows homemade crafters to show off their work at a booth that they must rent for $80 for both days. The carnival runs from 2 p.m. to closing both days.

This is the first year that West Fest is having a talent show with entries open to all. The talent show will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Anyone interested in participating in the talent show must complete the registration form online at west.maine207.org before entering.

Admission to the festival is free; however, some activities may require a fee if visitors want to join in.

According to event organizers, the festival has had attendance of about 5,000 people each year and raises about $20,000 to go toward the school’s athletic programs.