After a six-year hiatus, Windham Summerfest returned last June, drawing kids and adults alike with events including helicopter rides and live music.

This year’s Summerfest kicks off in Windham with softball and music Friday, June 20, and continues through Saturday, June 21, promising the same fun, plus a little more.

“It went real well for the first year for us,” said Brian Ross, director of the Windham Department of Parks and Recreation, which along with local businesses sponsors Summerfest. “We’re hoping for an even bigger event this year.”

To ramp up the good times at Summerfest, organizers have added a number of kids activities, including “The Kids Zone,” an area full of game booths, pony rides and a petting zoo, all staffed by the good folks at Camp Sunshine in Casco.

“They’ll have a variety of games that kids of all ages can participate in,” Ross said, adding there will also be a craft fair all day on Saturday.

Also new is a pancake breakfast served by the Lions Club Saturday, June 21, 7-9 a.m. in the Windham Middle School cafeteria. The breakfast, said Ross, will make sure everybody has a full stomach for the popular parade, set for 10 a.m. Saturday.

“That was a big hit,” said Ross. “It’s going to be even bigger this year. It’s a great kick off to the event.”

Tests of speed and skill will take place throughout the day on Saturday. A bicycle rodeo is set for 11 a.m., a skaters competition at the Skate Park is scheduled for 1 p.m., and a frog jumping contest – bring your own frog -will take place at 3 p.m. Soccer and volleyball tournaments will also be held throughout the day.

Participants can get an eagle’s eye look of Summerfest with the helicopter rides, which will once again be offered this year.

Live music begins at 4 p.m. Saturday with the Kora Shriners Band. They will be followed by Dan Merrill at 5:30 p.m. and Johnny the “K” Show, a children’s entertainment show, at 7 p.m. Soft rock group 84 Miles starts at 8:30 p.m., and will play until the fireworks at dusk.

Also on tab is the 20th anniversary concert of the Windham Chamber Singers. The award-winning ensemble are fresh off their East Coast tour that climaxed with a performance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.

All former members of the Singers are invited to take the stage at the Windham Performing Arts Center June 21 at 7 p.m.

Summerfest gets going Friday, June 20 with a 7 p.m. softball game between Windham police and firefighters at Windham High School. Also at 7 p.m., Windham High graduate Leah Driscoll celebrates the release of her album “Rising Up” with a concert in the Windham Performing Arts Center.

With this much going on next weekend, Summerfest organizers said the event has something for everybody from Windham, and beyond.

“We’re hoping to have interest from the community, and even surrounding towns,” said Ross.

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