DavesPaper.com | by David Ireland | July 21, 2025
LINCOLN, MAINE — If there was ever a weekend that proved Lincoln knows how to throw a party, Loonfest 2025 was it. With the theme “Party Like It’s 1999,” this year’s celebration didn’t just nod to the past — it exploded with energy, color, music, sports, community, and a whole lot of loon pride.
Kicking off Wednesday night with a throwback 90s Karaoke Contest at The Lincoln Taphouse, residents and visitors showed up dressed to impress. From windbreakers and scrunchies to denim-on-denim and neon everything, the crowd cheered on karaoke contenders belting out Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Pearl Jam. Prizes were awarded not just for vocal prowess but also for the best-dressed 90s vibes.
But Loonfest is more than just nostalgia. Thursday paid homage to its roots with the annual River Drivers Supper—a beloved tradition that packed the driveway of 892 Main Street with the scent of home-cooked goodness and stories of Maine’s hardworking past. And while that feast brought people together, the day also offered an open house at the Our Heroes Military Museum, an art walk downtown, and vendor markets that stretched across Veterans Memorial Square.
Friday saw the community buzz with family-friendly fun. Kids laughed and splashed during Beach Games at Prince Thomas Park, while Wes Booth the Magician wowed crowds at the Lincoln Memorial Library. A highlight was the Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union’s “Totally 90s Kids TV Bash,” where families hopped aboard the Roaming Railroad—a fan favorite once again. The night closed with boots stomping at Country Night at Cobb Field, featuring Josiah Dyer Country Concert and the energetic stylings of Kalya Wass Country.
Saturday, though, was the main event.
The Loonfest Parade brought thousands to Main Street for a spectacle of color, creativity, and community. Crowds cheered as the ANAH Shriners zipped through in their signature go-karts and floats. Among the standouts were:
- Best Overall: Penobscot Valley Hospital (PVH)
- Best Entertainment: Full Gospel Tabernacle
- Best Group/Club: Class of 1975
- Best Theme (“Party Like It’s 1999”): Personal Savage
- Most Original: Hannaford
- Best Truck: Northern Maine Firewood
- Best Vehicle: Tony’s Water Wagon
From there, the day was packed with events including the Lincoln Historical Society’s Annual Auction, another round of Roaming Railroad rides, and the hilariously competitive Redneck Regatta at Prince Thomas Park. Music, food, and friendly competition filled every corner of Lincoln.
Meanwhile, the Loonfest Invitational Basketball Tournament, hosted in partnership with Mattanawcook Academy, brought in dozens of teams and hundreds of spectators.
The Lady Lynx showed incredible heart and hustle—finishing strong with their Gold Team placing second in the (A) bracket and their Silver Team taking first in the (B) bracket. Coaches, parents, and players gave a heartfelt thanks to volunteers, local donors, and special contributors like Melanie Turner and Hannaford for keeping the crowd fed and the gym full of energy.
Saturday night was capped by a high-octane concert at Cobb Field, with Jacob Smalley taking the stage after AftershocK rocked the crowd under the lights. Smalley, a local favorite with deep community ties, drew emotional support from fans who have followed his rise from the Bangor Fair days to center stage. “We are so proud of you Jacob,” said Carroll local Holly Worster. “Keep doing what you do—the sky’s the limit.”
After the final guitar riffs faded, all eyes turned to the sky. Lincoln’s fireworks display lit up Mattanawcook Pond in a show many are calling one of the best north of Bangor. Families lined the shore, food trucks served up late-night snacks, and even the loons seemed to join in the chorus of celebration.
Sunday brought Loonfest 2025 to a heartfelt close. The morning Family Fun Color Run raised funds for the Paper Crane Project, dousing runners in bright hues as they dashed through town. In the afternoon, the Full Gospel Tabernacle hosted a free gospel concert, followed by an old-fashioned treat—brownie ice cream sundaes.
Throughout the week, the art scene thrived as well. The Rose White Mosaic Art Show at Stewart Professional Learning Center and the Art Walk by Friends of the Library showcased local creativity. Vendor booths offered everything from crafts to kettle corn. And for thrill-seekers, the burnout competition brought rubber, smoke, and horsepower to life.
Loonfest 2025 was made possible by generous sponsors including Lincoln Maine Federal Credit Union (Platinum), Machias Savings Bank, Lincoln Powersports, Pelletier Ford, Versant Power, H.C. Haynes, Treeline, Just Baked, Select Designs & Embroidery, and Wendy’s.
From start to finish, Loonfest 2025 delivered on its promise to “Party Like It’s 1999”—and reminded us all that small-town spirit, shared traditions, and a whole lot of heart make Lincoln, Maine, a place like no other.
