2009 Plymouth Waterfront Festival

There’s nothing like a secret to add mystery to the excitement leading up to an annual event like the 2009 Downtown Plymouth Waterfront Festival next Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29 and 30.

Not only do the selected Plymouth Idol contestants have to be prepared to sing in front of large crowds, they have to anticipate what the big surprise the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce has in store. Executive Director Denis Hanks won’t reveal what the secret is as the Chamber wraps up plans for the festival next weekend.

“There will be a special twist to the Plymouth Idol competition, and even the competitors won’t know what it is until next Saturday,” he said.

It’s the fourth annual Plymouth Idol contest. The 10 finalists will perform between noon and 2 p.m. Saturday, when the final five will be selected.

The final five will be narrowed to three, who will each sing a second song. The winner will be announced after the performances from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday. Last year’s Plymouth Idol winner, Casey Bishoff, will also perform. All performances will be on the main stage on the waterfront.

The most exciting part of the festival might well be the annual Duck Race at Brewster Gardens both days of the festival, Hanks said. He said it’s great to see the looks on the faces of the kids as they see their ducks released into the water and watch, wondering whether it’s their duck leading the race.

The races are scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ducks will be for sale both days of the festival under the information tent in Brewster Gardens. Senate President Therese Murray will make the calls as the special guest emcee.

The New England Aquarium’s traveling tide pool exhibit will be new to the festival this year, featuring live tidal pool animals, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“It’s a moving exhibit they bring to remote locations that’s an educational tool geared toward children but fun for everyone,” Hanks said.

The Chamber staff reached out to New England Aquarium as part of their ongoing effort to mix things up during the festival to keep it fresh.

The Plymouth Fire Department and state Department of Fire Services are teaming to educate the public on fire safety with another new educational exhibit. A 30-foot trailer on loan from the state replicates the inside of a home and features exhibits related to fire safety. It will be on display both days of the festival.

Red Sox fans will get to meet one of the “stars” of the team Sunday when Wally the Green Monster visits Plymouth to sign autographs and take pictures. Wally will be at Brewster Gardens from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday.

Festival-goers will get chances to dunk Hanks, Chamber President Ed Santos, Selectmen Chairman Dicky Quintal and others all for the cause. For $1 per ball, anyone with good enough aim can splash his or her targets into the dunk tank.

The money raised will help provide scholarships for students who participate in the Chamber’s FAME (Film, Arts, Motion Pictures and Entertainment) initiative to support the growth of the film industry in the region.

The annual Motor Heads’ Cruise-In Car Show, featuring antique and customized cars, enters its fourth year next Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Jenney Grist Mill. Entry is free, and there are prizes to be had. Hanks said the car show is expected to attract even more car owners than last year, when 150 cars were entered into the judging.

Patriots cheerleaders will attend the car show to sign autographs and have their pictures taken with fans. The band The Knuckleheads will perform.

More than 100 crafters will display their wares for sale along Water Street during the festival. Hanks said there will be a mix of new and returning crafters with demonstrations of glass blowing, sign making and face painting among the offerings. Entertainers will perform throughout the festival.

Carnival rides will also return, and a variety of food will be served. Rotary Club of Plymouth members will cook and serve food under their tent in Brewster Garden, and Christ Church members will feature barbecued chicken under theirs.

Festival hours run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Shuttle services will run continually from the Exit 5 Visitors Center off Route 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with drop off and pick up at the corner of Brewster and Water streets and at the Water Street Visitors Center.

A full listing of festival events and crafters is available online at www.plymouthwaterfrontfestival.com.

“It’s a great family weekend,” Hanks said.