On August 25, 2007, the Maine Elks Association will be holding its seventh annual "Youthfest" program at the Augusta Elks Lodge located on Route 27, just a half mile west of Rt. 95. The program will run from 11 AM to 3 PM (rain or shine) and is free of charge. The members of the Maine Elks Association, and the 22 Lodges from across the State of Maine put together this annual event to provide families of disabled or disadvantaged pre-teen children, their friends, as well as families of active duty military personnel with a day of fun and entertainment.

Several children's support organizations have been invited to attend this special event including the Maine Children's Cancer Program, Big Brother/Big Sister organizations, Maine Children's Home for Little Wanderers, Casey Family Services, Pine Tree Society, Maine Parent Federation, John F. Murphy Homes, Goodwill Hinckley, Bread of Life Ministries, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Spurwink School, Salvation Army, Maine Special Olympics, A Family for ME, Child Welfare Training Institute, the March of Dimes, as well as children in foster care. In addition, children and families of active duty personnel in the armed services, and those who are disabled or disadvantaged are invited to attend as well.

The event will feature carnival games, face painting, pony rides, emergency vehicle displays, crafts, a hoop shoot and soccer shoot, music, animated characters, bounce houses, prize drawings, food, music, fun, and much more! The event will also feature a performance by Rick Charette and a visit from Slugger the Seadog of the Portland Seadog's Baseball team.

The Maine Elks Association prides itself on its service to youth in communities throughout the State of Maine. Each year, the Maine Elks provide youth programs in the form of Scholarships, the Elks National Hoop Shoot & Soccer Shoot competitions, Drug Awareness programs, and several other contests and events for area youth.

The Youthfest program is free, and is open to all disabled or disadvantaged pre-teen children, their friends, and families of active duty military personnel. This program is being provided as a community service, and is not a fundraiser. For more information on this event, please contact Wayne or Kathleen Cotterly at 998-2282.