After a year without First Congregational Church of Wiscasset’s Summerfest due to the pandemic, the annual event returns to the common July 24.

“It’s a great feeling, that we can do this again and be in the community and get back to almost normal,” church member Beth Maxwell said in a phone interview Friday, July 9. Maxwell is co-chairing this Summerfest with Mark and Ann Light.

“I think (Summerfest) is something people do look forward to, and hopefully will be happy that we’re back,” Maxwell said.

Signage will ask unvaccinated attendees to wear face masks, Maxwell said. The cafe will be “simplified” with burgers, hot dogs and veggie burgers, plus water and other cold drinks, she said. A press release Sunday noted the cafe will also have sausages, beef and chicken skewers and gluten-free options on buns.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The dog parade is at 10:30, Maxwell said Friday. Sunday’s release said this year’s auction items include an L.L. Bean inflatable kayak with pump and paddle, an L.L. Bean fire pit and grill, a guest pass for a family of four to Monkey C Monkey Do, pottery from Edgecomb Pottery and Sheepscot Pottery and gift certificates from local shops and services; the Clarinotes and Razcals Jazztime band will perform, the release said.

“Summerfest is a shopper’s paradise,” the release said. “Church members have been collecting everything from soup bowls to nutcrackers for the giant yard sale. The Organ Society ladies have been knitting and sewing items for sale, the jewelry table will have jewelry in all price ranges including a pair of Navajo silver earrings, plus the book table will have books, puzzles and more.”

Each fall, the money the church raises at Summerfest goes to area organizations.

Pastor Josh Fitterling told Wiscasset Newspaper in a text response Sunday, “I am thrilled that Summerfest is back as we continue to support the important work of local outreach organizations! I am so grateful for all those who are making it possible.”

Maxwell predicted and hoped the church will look back in August and say having Summerfest back made things more like they should be.