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. Registration is required for all paying programs. No registrations will be taken at the door. RSVP suggested for free programs. We hope to see you there!
This year’s events include:
| Cardboard Sled Derby | Winter 2011 Date TBA |
|---|---|
| Mommy & Me PJ Tea Party | Saturday, February 12, 2011 |
| Winter Carnival | Saturday, February 26, 2011 |
| Annual Egg Hunt | Saturday, April 16, 2011 |
| Mother's Day Essay Contest | Due Monday before Mother's Day |
| Dog Dayz of Summer | Spring 2011 Date TBA |
| National Night Out | First Tuesday in August |
| Eliot Festival Days | Last weekend in September |
| Friday Night Fishing | Friday, October 1, 2010 |
| Halloween Party and Haunted Trail | Friday, October 29, 2010 |
| Holiday Coloring Contest | November 1st-December 1st |
| Monopoly Mania | Friday, November 19. 2010 |
| Tree Lighting in Hammond Park | First Saturday in December |
| Kids's Night Out | Friday, December 17, 2010 |
Cardboard Sled Derby
It's a weird, wacky and hilarious evening for the competitors, and a great spectator event too. Participants of all ages are invited to construct a sled out of cardboard, tape, glue, string, garbage bags and paper only. The Cardboard Sled Derby is all about style. Judges will rate each craft for originality, costumes and construction/design. Each sled must also complete one run to the bottom of the hill. First sled to the bottom on the run will be declared the winner!
- All ages & abilities
- Saturday, January 29th (tentitive)
- Behind Town Hall
- 11:00am until done
- Entry fee of $5.00 pp
Mommy & Me PJ Tea Party
Bring your mom and have some fun at our tea party. There will be a craft, lunch and games! You can even wear your PJ’s. Dolls and teddy bears are welcome too join us too!
- All girls and their moms
- Saturday, February 12th
- EES Cafeteria
- 11:00am-1:00pm
- R $20.00 parent/child; $5.00 for each additional child
NR $30.00 parent/ child; $10.00 each additional child
Winter Carnival
Join us at the Town Ice Rinks behind the Community ServiceDepartment for a bonfire, supervised by the Eliot Fire Department, ice-skating, sledding hill, DJ, games and lots more!! Refreshments will be sold. Think snow!
- Ice rinks, behind Eliot Police Department
- Saturday, February 26th
- 3:00-6:00pm
- Free (refreshments will be available for purchase)
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 10:45am. Signs will direct youth to the proper location for their
egg hunt. Rain date is Sunday, April 17th at 11:00am.
- Youth Ages 2-10
- Saturday, April 16th
- 11:00am
- EES playgrounds & soccer field
- Suggested Donation of $1.00 pp or $5.00 per family
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. Essays due May 3rd in the ECSD Office.
National Night Out
National Night Out is always held the first Tuesday of August. 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 9, 2011
- 5:00-8:00pm
Eliot Festival Days
Celebrate Eliot Festival Days, held annually on the last weekend in September! This year the traditional Friday night activities, including the fireworks will be held during Bicentennial Week in August. On Saturday, the celebration includes a pancake breakfast, 5K road race, kids’ fun run, parade, crafts,
food and ECSD Kids’ Corner.
- Look for more information on the official Festival Days web site.
- 5K Road Race information available here!
- Kids Fun Run registration form available here soon!
Friday Night Fishing
Join us on a journey into the great abyss with Seafari Charters of Kittery. For 2 1/2 hours you’ll become the great angler you’ve always wanted to be. Fishing poles, bait, an experienced boat crew and all gratuities are included in the cost of the trip. Deadline to register is Wednesday, September 22.
- All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
- Friday, October 1st
- Leave the dock at 4:30pm; Return by 7:00pm
- 7 Island Ave, Kittery (Badgers Island)
- R $105.00; NR $115.00 per person
- Min: 7; Max: 10
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; however, we ask that families
bring canned or non-
perishable items to donate to Foot Prints Food Pantry
for the upcoming holiday season.
- October 29, 2010
- Eliot Elementary School gym and grounds
- 5:30-6:45 pm Kindergarten and under
- 7:00-8:15 pm 1st-3rd grade
- 7:30-8:30 pm 4th-8th grade - Haunted Trail Only
Annual Holiday Coloring Contest
Each grade level will have its own picture to color. Pictures will be available on the ECSD porch beginning Monday, November 2nd or print one by selecting the appropriate grade level below. Prizes will be awarded to one winner in each grade level. All entries due to the ECSD office by Monday, December 6th. Please make sure that your child’s name, phone number, school and teacher's name is printed legibly on the back of the picture. Winners will be contacted by phone.
- PreK–5th grade
- Begins Monday, November 1st
- Ends Tuesday, December 6th
- FREE: Eliot & South Berwick residents only
2009 Winners







Monopoly Mania
What better way to spend an evening than to have a Monopoly play-off. We'll play for a set period of time and at the end whoever has the most money wins. Groups will be split by age to make the competition fair. Rules will be discussed at the beginning of the evening. Prizes will be awarded for each age catagory. Please bring a brown bag dinner and snacks will be provided.
- Ages 10 to Adult
- Friday, November 19th
- Eliot United Methodist Church
- 5:00-9:00pm
- $10.00 entry fee per person
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
- 6:00pm
Kid's Night Out
Need to do last minute holiday shopping? Now is your chance. The ECSD Staff and volunteers will entertain your children with games, refreshments, arts & crafts, and more. Pizza & drinks will be provided. Advanced registration is required by Wednesday, December 15th. No registrations will be accepted at the door.
- Youth Ages 4-10
- Friday, December 17th
- 5:00-8:00pm
- EES Gym
- R $12.00; NR $17.00
- Min: 10; Max: 4

Join us at the Town Ice Rinks behind the Community ServiceDepartment for a bonfire, supervised by the Eliot Fire Department, ice-skating, sledding hill, DJ, games and lots more!! Refreshments will be sold. Think snow!