SMITHFIELD, Maine — A leap year can be a funny thing, adding one extra day to the calendar nearly every four years. It seems a bit peculiar, but for one Maine community, it’s a source of pride.
This weekend, the town of Smithfield, located just northwest of Augusta, is hosting a huge celebration all weekend long with entertainment, food, and workshops. Why is Feb. 29 so important to this town?
It’s because Smithfield is the only town in Maine to have been incorporated on "leap day," earning its township status on Feb. 29, 1840.
Smithfield is technically 183 years old, but according to leap year math, the town is only in its forties.
"Leap Year Celebration means it is time for all town nonprofits...to get together and plan fun activities and events to bring families and friends together to celebrate our town's unique birthday," Jodie Mosher-Towle, a co-organizer of the event, said.
The four-day celebration kicks off Thursday night and continues through Sunday. This year there will be horse-drawn wagon rides, a hypnotist, a planetarium show, an animal show with "Mr. Drew" (who has been featured on NEWS CENTER Maine's 207), a birdfeeder workshop, an ice fishing derby, and more.
Town employee Nicole Clark said in 2020 they had around 300 people participate in the festivities. Clark said they will hold another celebration this summer and anticipate as many as 500 guests.
For the full list of events visit Smithfield's town website by clicking here.
What is the science behind a leap year?
According to History.com, the extra day we add to our calendar is to remain in line with the Earth’s movement around the sun. Even though our modern-day calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for the Earth to orbit the sun is roughly 365.2421 days — hence adding 24 hours, about every four years.
Some Leap Year fun facts
- Many ancient calendars (Hebrew, Chinese, Buddhist) had entire leap months that included the position of the moon.
- The Egyptians were the ones who introduced the concept of Leap Day to Julius Caesar.
- For the romantics out there: Legend says in the fifth century, St. Patrick designated Feb. 29 as the one day women were allowed to propose to men. That day became known as "Bachelor's Day."
- People born on Leap Day are called "leaplings."
Clark said the fact that Smithfield was incorporated on Leap Day is "neat," but said their celebration is about so much more.
"The sense of pride is more toward our small community being good to each other and helping when needed," she said. "Our main goal is to work together. We truly care for each other!"
For more information about leap years, click here.