Supersized Lebanon festival gearing up for May 19 takeoff

The supersized bounce house should have the kids jumping for joy. (Courtesy photo)

LEBANON, Maine - Expect a supersized annual Lebanon Festival this year, says organizer Georgie Allen.

Just look at the new bounce house. It's the size of a small ranch. Plus there will be a second one just for the little ones.

In her first year organizing the festival, Allen says there will be no shortage of fun things to do, and that applies to kids of all ages.

To make it more kid friendly for the May 19 event, all of the vendors have been relocated to the parking lot, while the grassy soccer fields adjacent to Hanson School will be exclusively for games and activities.

The festival kicks off with a Pancake Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. put on inside the Hanson School gym by the West Lebanon Ladies Circle.

The vendors take center stage from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include many newcomers as well as old favorites.

Vendor booths include the Phoenix Elite Dance Studio, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Jams and Jellies, 4X4 Proving Ground, Kerfluffle Fiber Farm, Dotty Jeanne's Boutique, Karri L Moser, Author, American Frozen Food out of Scarborough and a balloon animalist as well as many local crafters to name a few.

A local motorcycle group, the Military Cohorts, have also organized a Poker Run, with kickstands up at 10 a.m.

In addition Belgian Meadows Farm will be offering free wagon rides from 9 a.m.-noon, Allen said.

Throughout the day there will be many other offerings such as the Bookmobile and a penny raffle inside the Hanson Gym that will benefit a scholarship for a Lebanon college student. Proceeds from the Poker Run will also benefit the scholarship fund.

And then there will be games, games and more games for the kids, including an obstacle course, a dunk tank, a kids' striker - like the strongman carnival game - a Twister game, giant Jenga and Yahtzee games and even a tug of war.

So far the only volunteer for the dunk tank is Selectmen Chair Chip Harlow.

"We're looking for others," Allen quipped.

Throughout the day hungry festivalgoers can also take advantage of the Soccer Shack, which will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork as well as other surprise offerings.

A Dorcas Society ham and bean supper will be served in the Hanson School gym from 5-7 p.m.

Entertainment for the festival will be provided by the duet of Ken and Mo from 2-5 p.m.; and Generations, which plays all types of music, from 5-7 p.m.

The day will wrap up with an outdoor movie (bring your bug juice) at dusk, featuring the 2017 Pixar movie Coco.

All the games and music are free, Allen said.

There is still some vendor space available, at no charge to Lebanon residents, Allen said. Check the Lebanon Recreation Department Facebook page titled "Community Festival" for more details or call the Rec Dept. at 207-837-2138.