YORK BEACH - From music to road races, from celebrating Christmas in July to watching fireworks light up the sky, this year's York Days celebration is packed with events for residents and visitors alike.
Once again, York Days promises a full week and two weekends' worth of events for all ages in this annual festival that has long been a favorite part of summer in York.
The first event on the York Days 2008 calendar, compiled by York Parks and Recreation on its website, is a performance by the Temple Dance Band at 7 p.m. at Ellis Park, Short Sands Beach, on July 25.
The York Days Co-Ed Softball Tournament begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 26, at York High School and Village Elementary School. Later in the evening, it will be the Amherst Town Band taking the stage at the Ellis Park Gazebo at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 27, brings with it the official start to York Days - the 15th Annual Christmas in July celebration - and much more.
The day begins bright and early with the Amidon Family Dentistry York Days 5K Road Race at 8 a.m. at York High School.
That evening, hear the sounds of Hello Detroit at Ellis Park at 7 p.m., and then head to York's famous landmark, the Cape Neddick Light Station, affectionately known as the Nubble, for the Christmas in July festivities. The fun begins at 8 p.m. with a performance by the Seacoast Wind Ensemble. This family evening of music and entertainment culminates with the countdown to "lights on" at the Nubble at 9 p.m., when summer residents and visitors alike have the chance to see the lighthouse outlined in white lights just as it is each December for the Christmas season.
During the week, there are more York Days events scheduled.
On Monday, July 28, be a part of the Junior Golf Tournament at Cape Neddick Country Club by calling the York Parks and Recreation Office in advance at 363-1040 to register.
That evening, there's more music at the beach with the Dick Kaplan Jazz Band at 7 p.m. at Ellis Park.
Tuesday, July 29, features the always popular Piscataqua Dog Obedience Show from 6 to 8 p.m., also at Ellis Park, Short Sands Beach, and music fans will not want to miss the Fred Manzi Trio at Ellis Park on July 30 at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, July 31, see the Nubble Light Square Dancers at Ellis Park.
Also that evening, the York Beach Breast Cancer Walk for Hope, sponsored by the York Hospital Breast Cancer Survivors, will be held with registration at the York Beach Ball Park beginning at 5 p.m. and the walk to follow at 6 p.m. The entry fee for this fundraising event is $15.
The York Lion's Club Annual Auction will be held under the big tent at the York Beach Ball Park on Aug. 1, with the preview set for 5 p.m., followed by the auction beginning at 6 p.m.
Just around the corner at Ellis Park, the Bedford Big Band is slated to perform at 7 p.m.
The second weekend of York Days features the Craft Fair and Festival at the York Beach Ball Park on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2 and 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. This event features plenty of crafts as well as food and family entertainment. On Saturday, Greg Dame will perform from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, York Strings, which features some of the town's youngest violinists, will perform at noon, followed by Trillium from 1 to 3 p.m. Fans of arts and crafts will be able to find pottery, jewelry, paintings, dried flowers and clothing, just to name a few of the wares that will be on sale during both days of this event.
Then, on Saturday evening, hear the Chelmsford Community Jazz Ensemble at Ellis Park at 7 p.m.
In addition to the Craft Fair and Festival activities, the final day of York Days on Sunday, Aug. 3, also features the Annual Sandcastle Sculpture and Building Contest. Registration will be at 11 a.m. at Ellis Park, with judging at 1 p.m. on Short Sands Beach.
Sunday evening, Aug. 3, marks the culmination of this year's York Days celebration, beginning with a free band concert at Ellis Park at 7 p.m. leading up to the York Days Fireworks at 9 p.m. on Short Sands Beach. The rain date for the fireworks display is Monday, Aug. 4.
According to York Parks and Recreation, fundraisers and donations from business establishments and individuals support the York Days program and fireworks. Want to find out more about this and other York Parks and Recreation events and offerings? Visit parksandrec.yorkmaine.org.
