OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The Beach Olympics is returning to Old Orchard Beach this weekend, bringing fun, games and entertainment while raising money for Special Olympics Maine.
The Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce’s 36th annual Beach Olympics kicks off tonight with opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. at Town Square, followed by music with local band Trevor and Company at 7:30.
Events continue on Saturday with a silent auction in the square. There will be many items available, including Adirondack chairs made from skis, a stand up paddle board with paddle and life vest, signed sports photographs, and amusement park passes, said Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kim Verreault.
On Saturday morning, there will be games for children ages 5 to 16 in the town square, including Skee-Ball and ice cream eating and bubble gum blowing competitions, followed by an awards ceremony. It’s free to participate and open to all young people in the community. Those who want to join in on the fun can get a lanyard at the chamber office at 11 First St.
There will be a DJ playing music during the day and Trevor and Company will be back again Saturday night at 7 p.m. On Sunday, live entertainment begins at 11 a.m. featuring live music with Katie Daggett and Ed DesJardins and performances by Steppin Out Dance Centre.
There will also be voluntary tolls on East and West Grand avenues to benefit Special Olympics Maine and donation jars have been set up at local businesses and will be there through Labor Day weekend.
Verreault said every year many local businesses get on aboard to help raise money for Special Olympics Maine, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for adults and children with intellectual disabilities in Maine.
“It’s so heartwarming to see local businesses support such a wonderful organization,” she said, and is one of the reasons why she and her staff often refer to Old Orchard Beach as “a small town with a big heart.”
Also on Saturday is the Breakaway 5K race and Marilyn and Nat Golzbein Memorial Fun Run, raising money for MAPS, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to Old Orchard Beach High School students.
The 5K race begins at 7:45 a.m. at the corner of Walnut Street and East Grand Avenue. Same day registration is $25 and begins at 6 a.m. at The Brunswick, 39 West Grand Ave.
The fun run starts at 9 a.m. at The Brunswick, where it also ends. Same day registration for the Fun Run is $20 and includes a medal, T-shirt, pizza, ice cream and admission to rides at Palace Playland.
Parking is free until 10 a.m. on the day of the race at the town’s Milliken Street parking lot.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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