Special Events
The ECSD organizes a number of special events throughout the year to celebrate
Eliot and build community spirit. All events are open to the public and are
offered free or at low-cost.
Many thanks to our special events sponsor, Kennebunk Savings Bank.
We hope to see you there!
This year’s events include:
| Winter Carnival | February 23, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Lunch with the Easter Bunny | March 15, 2008 |
| Annual Egg Hunt | March 15, 2008 |
| “Dedication to Recreation” Cruise Fundraiser | May 2, 2008 |
| National Night Out | First Tuesday in August |
| Eliot Festival Days | Last weekend in September |
| Halloween Party and Haunted Trail | Friday before Halloween |
| Tree Lighting in Hammond Park | First Saturday in December |
Winter Carnival
This year’s annual Winter Carnival will be held on Saturday, February 23rd from 3:00-6:00 p.m. The carnival will feature a bonfire by the Eliot Fire Department, ice-skating, ice carving, a sledding hill and DJ music by the Dancing Machine Co. Think snow!
- Ice rinks, behind Eliot Police Department
- Saturday, February 23rd
- 3:00-6:00 p.m.
- Free (refreshments will be available for purchase)
Lunch with the Easter Bunny
Hop on in and join the Easter Bunny for an “eggcellent” lunch before heading over to the annual community egg hunt. You’ll enjoy a meal fit for Peter Cottontail himself! Advanced reservations are required. This event will take place rain or shine.
- Families
- Saturday, March 15th
- 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM
- EES Cafeteria
- In advance: $5.00 pp; $15.00 per family
- At the door: $8.00 pp; $20.00 per family
Annual Egg Hunt
News coming into the Eliot Community Service Department from the cabbage patch is that Peter Cottontail will be here in Eliot hiding eggs and candy for youth ages 2-10. This event will be split into sections so that the younger children and the older children will have their own areas. Children will get to meet with Peter Cottontail himself. Please arrive at 12:45 PM. Signs will direct youth to the proper location for their egg hunt. Rain date is Sunday, March 16th at 11:00 AM.
- Youth Ages 2-10
- Saturday, March 15th
- 1:00 PM
- EES playgrounds & soccer field
- Free
New York City and American Girl Doll Place
Back by popular demand...we're off to New York City again. You can tour NYC or visit American Girl Place. We'll leave bright and early and head to the city. This time we'll be in a 12 passenger van driven by Port City Tours. Pillows and snacks are still welcomed. The registration deadline for this trip is Monday, April 7th.
- Saturday, April 12th
- Depart ECSD Office 6:00 AM
- Arrive ECSD Office 9:00 PM
- R $90.00, NR $100.00
- This trip requires 10 people
New England Aquarium & Simons IMAX Theatre
We'll board a bus at EES in the morning and start our journey into the exciting world of aquatic animals. The penguins, sharks and turtles will be waiting for us! After lunch we'll head over to see the sea lion show. Be careful not to get wet! ECSD will provide chaperones for this trip but parents are more than welcome to attend. Brown bag lunch required; no glass or straws please.
- Ages 7 & up with ECSD chaperone; ages 6 & under require parental supervision
- Wednesday, April 23rd
- 8:00 AM - Leave for Boston
- 4:15 PM - Arrive back in Eliot
- 11 and under: $35.00; 12 and up $40.00
- Min: 20; Max: 25
Mother's Day Essay Contest
This contest allows children the opportunity to express their appreciation for the wonderful deeds their mother and/or guardians have done. This contest is open to all Eliot and South Berwick residents in grade 2nd-8th. Contest winner will receive a gift certificate, ECSD program scholarship and flowers to be presented to their mother and/or guardian.
- 2nd-8th graders
- Essays due May 5th in the ECSD Office
- Free to Eliot and South Berwick residents
National Night Out
National Night Out, always held the first Tuesday of August, will be August 5th, 2008. National Night Out is a unique crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.
Sponsored by the Eliot Police Department, the Eliot Fire Department and the Eliot Community Service Department this night will feature a cook out, contests, youth and family activities, entertainment and helpful resources on drug prevention awareness and crime prevention.
- Eliot Town Hall
- August 5, 2008
- 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Eliot Festival Days
Celebrate Eliot Festival Days, held annually on the last weekend in September, starting on Friday night with the traditional Chili Cook-Off, antique car and motorcycle show, music and fireworks. On Saturday, the celebration continues with a pancake breakfast, 5K road race, kids’ fun run, parade, crafts, food and ECSD Kids’ Corner.
- Look for more information on the official Eliot town Web site
- 5K Road Race registration forms available here!
Halloween Party and Haunted Trail
Start planning your costume for the annual ECSD Halloween party and costume contest. The party begins at the EES Gym with games and refreshments. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for the best costume in the kindergarten and under age category, the 1st-3rd grade category, and best adult costumes.
The fun continues with a walk through the haunted woods behind the elementary school. Enter if you dare!
The event is free to all Eliot residents; however, we ask that families bring canned or non-perishable items to donate to Foot Prints Food Pantry for the upcoming holiday season.
- Held the Friday before Halloween
- Eliot Elementary School gym and grounds
- 5:30-7:00 p.m. Kindergarten and under
- 7:30-9:00 p.m. 1st-3rd grade
Tree Lighting in Hammond Park
Join us on the first Saturday of December for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Hammond Park. The ECSD will provide hot chocolate and cookies, with a sing-along led by Marshwood High School chorus. Plus, Santa will make a grand entrance and join the festivities. Bring your camera, your very best singing voice and something warm to wear. The event will only be postponed in the event of rain or a severe snowstorm (a little snow won't hurt us).
- Hammond Park
- First Saturday in December
- 6:00 PM