Tom Ball Band performing at Oquossoc Day. (2021). Stephanie Dellavalle

OQUOSSOC — “Wild Western Maine” is the theme of this year’s 19th annual Oquossoc Day, held in the village of Oquossoc starting with a pre-party evening event on Friday, August 16, from 5-7 p.m. at Bald Mountain Camps (BMC) and continuing with a full day of celebration and full schedule of events on Saturday, August 17, starting at 10am.

Committee members Linda Sikes, Janet Koob, Eliza Morton and Christine Wargo meet throughout the year to plan this annual event that celebrates Oquossoc.

For the last several years there has been no community dance or party as had been done in the past. This year the committee members brought it back, but instead of being held right in the very center of town, it will be held under a tent at Bald Mountain Camps (BMC) on Friday, the night before Oquossoc Day. The party will have light bits, a deejay, and a cash bar. Optional donations to support the event may be made at entry. Those who might want to stay for dinner are encouraged to make reservations ahead of time, directly to BMC at 207 864-3671.

The all-ages celebratory event has a different theme each year. Past themes have included Hollywood, Halloween, and Mardi Gras.

The committee tries to pick a theme that is fun for both children and adults.

Maine Attraction pyramid at Oquossoc Day. (2022). Stephanie Dellavalle

Morning activities include an art and antique show and sale at Outdoor Heritage Museum, a cornhole tournament from 10 a.m. – noon, car show from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and a dog show at Oquossoc Grocery.

One traditional element of Oquossoc Day is the boat parade where contestants bedeck their boats, competing for trophies for variations on which boat is most in keeping with the yearly theme.

The no entry fee contest directs those interested in participating to send a message with name and type of boat to the organizing committee. This information enables the announcer to introduce the boats when they approach the cove.

On the day of the event, they are instructed to gather in the south cove, near Indian Point, at 12:30 p.m. Once lined up, the announcer instructs the captains of each boat to do a small circle in the cove. This enables the judges, and those gathered, to get a good look. The boat parade is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Spectators are invited to park in the street and take the short walk to Oquossoc Cove Marina.

Another popular element of the day is the return of the nonprofit Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team out of Sanford. They, too, interpret the yearly theme and choose to create costumes in keeping with it. The water ski show, which consists of a variety of tricks, jumps, and even a pyramid, starts at 2 p.m.

Five dollar raffle tickets are now being sold for a chance to win a fishing charter for four in the Rangeley area with Rangeley Lakes Fishing Charters. Proceeds from the sale of the raffle help support the Oquossoc Day event. The drawing for the raffle will be held sometime between 3:30-5 p.m. at Portage Tap House during Happy Hour.

For more information and an event schedule, you may visit Oquossoc Day Festival on Facebook and Instagram.