The Camp Manitou Band is among several musical groups scheduled to perform throughout ShineOn Oakland Day on Saturday as part of OakFest 2023. For a full schedule of activities, music and other entertainment, see oaklandmaine.us/oakfest-2023. Submitted photo
OAKLAND — OakFest 2023 is planned for this weekend, with events and entertainment that are expected to draw thousands to Oakland.
The festival has been held nearly every year since 2015 and is now something of a town tradition. Live music, a parade, open-air market, beer tent, children’s activities and a dunk tank are among the highlights.
“OakFest is the big annual event that actually brings people into our community,” Oakland Deputy Clerk Kathy Paradis said. “We’re trying to showcase our lakes region, as well as what Oakland has to offer. This community really looks forward to it.”
The celebration has drawn large crowds each time it has been held, and officials say this year should be no different.
Paradis, who helped coordinate this year’s festival, said town officials expect OakFest 2023 to attract 10,000 people or more over the weekend.
“On Friday evening, we expect the crowds to be 6,000 or so,” she said. “On Saturday, we expect between 3,000 and 5,000 people.”
Friday’s events are planned for the downtown area, with Main Street to be closed to vehicles at 3 p.m. The parade is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., and disc jockey Richard Jandreau is set to provide music throughout the evening. Food trucks and a beer tent are also planned.
Saturday is ShineOn Oakland Day, which is being held in partnership with the ShineOnCass Foundation. The open-air market and other events — including a car show, a children’s section, food trucks and a literacy booth offering free books — are scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Williams Elementary School at 55 Pleasant St.
On Saturday evening, the film “The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2” is planned for 8:30 p.m. at the school, while live music is set for 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakland Waterfront Park on Willey Point Road.
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