SANFORD — Summah Daze brought food, fun, entertainment and shopping to Central Park on Saturday.

The annual event is sponsored by the Sanford Downtown Legacy, in partnership with the Town of Sanford and The Sanford-Springvale Chamber of Commerce.

On Saturday morning, local business vendors, joined by those from the farmer’s market ”“ which is usually set up at Gowen Park ”“ offered their wares. At lunch time, participants could get a taste of local restaurants at the Taste of Sanford event. For $5, one could purchase a book of five tickets, and each ticket could be used to sample food from a participating restaurant.

Maura Herlihy, president of Sanford Downtown Legacy, said the event gets people out in downtown Sanford to see what the town has to offer.

“It’s a celebration of summer,” she said.

New this year, she said, was a “touch a truck” event Friday night and the temporary relocation of the farmer’s market to Central Park. Also, there were more vendors this year and children’s activities than in years past, said Herlihy.

Sanford Downtown Legacy member Thea Murphy said the event showcases the downtown as a place to live, work and play.

Kayla Carr, a staff person at Moe’s, was working the event for the third year in a row for the sandwich shop.

“It’s fabulous,” she said.

Summah Daze is a lot of fun, she said, adding that she enjoys interacting with the people.

There were also a number of children’s activities Saturday including a bounce house, arts and crafts, and games sponsored by local community organizations.

“I think it’s great,” said Tina Fox, as she watched her 2-year-old son, Orion, play a ring toss game. She said it was nice to have activities for children, and a good opportunity to get to see local businesses.

Evelyn Caron cheered on her 7-year-old granddaughter, Emily Manion, as she hit a golf ball at a putting green.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s great for the children. It’s a safe environment where they can enjoy themselves.”

Pleasant Street Free Baptist Church hosted a puppet show and other children’s activities and members gave out bottles of cold water, snow cones and popcorn. Church member Paul Basko said participating in the event is a way to increase the church’s visibility  and a way to give back to the community.

Summah Daze began Friday night with an antique car parade. A lobster bake was scheduled for Saturday night and Good Mem’ries was to play big band music Sunday night at Gowen Park.

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