SANFORD – The Sanford Mainers lineup isn’t the only part of this season’s visits to Goodall Park that should have fans excited.

Sanford Mainers mascots Broose D’Moose, right, and Boomer are ready to entertain families all season long as the team looks to provide fans with an affordable experience. Broose celebrates his 18th birthday June 28, and everyone’s invited. (COURTESY PHOTO)

The organization has once again prepared a potent schedule of game-day festivities, including a day for the fans, a star-studded birthday party and the return of an event that made its first appearance last year. After all, the Mainers have a reputation to uphold. 

“We’ve branded ourselves as southern Maine’s premiere baseball experience,” said Mainers Vice Chairman Jacob Ouellette. “We want to make (Goodall Park) a place where people can go and enjoy a game … and a place where kids can come be kids. We provide that laid-back environment where fans can enjoy a night out at an affordable price.”

The team’s second home game, June 8, is this year’s “Spirit Gameday.” The first 125 fans through the gate get a free rally towel, and people are encouraged to wear dark green clothes to help cheer the Mainers back into the community.

A new favorite, the “Welcome Back Mainers Chicken Wing Cook-Off,” is set for June 9. Not only is the second-year event a way to eat some mouth-watering wings, but it’s also a great chance to meet some of the players, snag an autograph or a photo with your favorite Mainer.

The cook-off is scheduled to run from noon to 2 p.m. and costs $5 to attend. Restaurants or individuals can compete for three – a Players’, Judges’ and People’s choice – awards. Games and face-painting will be available for the kids, while adult beverages will be on-hand for those 21 years and older.

“The proceeds go right back into the Mainers to pretty much help with our existence,” Ouellette said. “It helps keep the team running due to our nonprofit status … It’s all a friendly competition and it goes back to a good cause.”

June 17 is “Teacher Appreciation Game Day.” All teachers who show a school badge get a free ticket.  

Broose D’ Moose, one of the Mainers mascots, turns 18 years old on June 28, and everyone’s invited. Some of Broose’s best friends like Maine Mariners mascot Beacon the Puffin have also received notice of the celebration. You never know who’s going to show up.

“(Broose’s birthday) is always a big hit. The kids love the mascots,” said Ouellette.

A busy weekend continues June 29 as the Mainers host “Community Youth Game Day.”

The first 100 kids who arrive in their Little League or Scouts uniform get in the doors for free courtesy of Patriot Subaru.

A couple of days later the organization will thank the people who put their lives on the line with a

‘Military Appreciation Game Day” on July 1. Local veterans of all the branches of the military will be recognized during the pregame ceremony. Free admission to all present and past military members. July 7 is “First Responders Appreciation Game Day.” Free admission to all first responders.

Gameday takes a festive turn on Hawaiian Luau night, July 9, where the first 100 fans will receive a Hawaiian lei and everyone is encouraged to dress in their best Hawaiian attire. The Mainers don’t usually sell alcohol at the park, but the luau is one of a few nights where “The Gin Tin Maine,” a vintage mobile bar, rolls into Goodall Park.

The Mainers will celebrate the team’s loyal supporters with “Fan Appreciation Game Day” on July 14. While supplies last, fans at the game will receive a team photo to take home, and there will be a shopping tote giveaway to fans as they enter the gate.

One of Ouellette’s favorite days of the season falls on July 23 when the Mainers welcome Grahamtastic Connection, a Sanford-based non-profit that assists children who are seriously ill with means to maintain connections in their lives, to the park.

“Even though we’re a non-profit, we consider (Grahamtastic Connection) our charity. They do wonderful, wonderful work,” Ouellette said. “We always encourage people to participate in (this) raffle because it does go back to their organization … she’s touching places nationwide now and they are local right here in Sanford.

Aug. 1 is “Non-Profit Awareness Game Day.” The Mainers are inviting all non-profits in the area to come down to the park and set up an information table about their organization to help spread their message. If organizations are interested in participating, they can contact the Mainers by email at broose@metrocast.net or by phone at 207-324-0010. There is no cost to participate.

“It’s all about bringing everybody together and focusing on what’s important,” Ouellette said. “It should be a good year.”