WATERBORO — The 25th annual Old Home Days brought the community together with family-friendly activities this past weekend.

The festival began Friday night with music and remote-controlled airplanes. On Saturday morning, people lined Main Street to watch the parade, which included Shriner mini-cars circling around the street, local officials, fire engines, ambulances, community, school and church groups, and floats representing local businesses.

The parade culminated at Massabesic High School, where festivities continued. Children jumped in a bounce house, eyed miniature horses, took part in craft and other activities, rode inflatable bouncing ponies and watched a ventriloquist. There were also games of chance, raffles, and a number of food vendors, and in the Massabesic High School cafeteria was a cribbage tournament. Lawn mower races were scheduled later that afternoon, as well as live music, and fireworks were set to go off at dusk.

David Watson, took a hit for the Ossipee Mountaineers Snowmobile Club. Watson was sitting in a dunk booth, while festival-goers took their chance at trying to hit the target that would make him fall into a tank of water. At noon time, he said he had been dunked 10 times.

“It’s a good way to raise money,” he said. “And it’s a lot of fun.”

Joanna Gile of Alfred said she thought the festival was very family-friendly.

“It’s good for the town. We’re lucky to have it,” she said.

Gile and her daughter met up with her sister’s family, of Waterboro.

Gile’s sister, Jen Green, said she’s been going to the festival every year for 18 years.

“It’s tradition,” she said.

Green said she thought Waterboro Old Home Days was a good community event, and she liked the variety of activities for children. Her favorite part of the festival was the fireworks, she said.

Cindy Durney, chairman of the Old Home Days committee, said she was grateful for the support of the town, community and businesses that helped make the festival happen.

“It’s a wonderful event to be involved in. We have a wonderful town,” she said.

Town Selectman Tammy Jo Girard used the word “wonderful” as well to describe the annual festival. She said the festival committee put in a lot of hard work, and it showed.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.