Stilllife painting by Jonathan Blatchford on display in New Gloucester

Sept 2, 8 p.m. Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, seven times named Female Vocalist of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Awards, $38/show, dinner available at 6 p.m. by reservation for an additional cost, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

Sept 2-4, 8 p.m. “Two for the Seesaw,” by William Gibson, directed by Tom Schwans, starring Jordan Reeves and Aimee Howard, the 11th Annual Deertrees Theatre Festival, Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison. FMI: 207.583.6747, www.deertreestheatre.org.

Sept 3, 5-8 p.m. “Life, Death, Color and Light,” show by photographer Katie Selva, First Friday opening reception, Frost Farm Gallery, 272 Pike Hill, Norway. FMI: 207.743.8041, www.frostfarmgallery.com.

Sept 4, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Bridgton Lions Golf Tournament, million dollar shootout sponsored by Jones and Matthews, $50/player, cart included, scramble format, Bridgton Highlands Country Club, 379 Highland Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.4280, www.mainelakeschamber.com.

Sept 4, 4-6 p.m. Bean Supper, with American Chop Suey and Desset, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, $7/adults, $2.50/ages 5-11, free/under 5, American Legion, 15 Lewiston Road, Gray. FMI: www.gnggazette.com.

Sept 4, 4:30-6 p.m. New Gloucester Arts Alive, featuring painter Jonathan Blachford, free, followed at 7:30 by a Village Coffeehouse performance with jazz vocalist Rebecca Wing and saxophonist Liz malta, Community Room, New Gloucester Congregational-Christian Church, 19 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester. FMI: 207.926.3240, www.creativenewgloucester.org.

Sept 4, 6-8 p.m. The Great Studio Art Sale, gallery artists and invited artists will sell works at fantastic prices, reception, Hole in the Wall Studioworks, 1544 Roosevelt Trail (Route 302), Raymond. FMI: 207.655.4952, www.holeinthewallstudioworks.com.

Sept 5, 6-9 p.m. Garth Brooks Tribute Show, bring your lawn chair, $10/person, $5/to park so be sure to car pool, Emerald Sky, Stonehedge, 342 Gray Road, Gray. FMI: 207.428.3659, www.stonehedge-me.com.

Sept 8, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 20th Annual Bridgton Hospital Benefit Golf Tournament, $85/player, includes cart, boxed lunch, water, complimentary beer ticket, after-tournament social hour, awards and door prizes, Bridgton Highlands Country Club, 379 Highland Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.6055, www.bridgtonhospital.org.

Sept 8, 7 p.m. Maine Wildlife Park Presentation, learn how the park’s mission helps them take care of the birds and beasts, sponsored by the Windham Land Trust, free, Windham Public Library, 217 Windham Center Road, Windham. FMI: 207.892.1908, www.thewindhamlandtrust.org.

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 Katherine Doyle’s image, “Garden, Late Afternoon,” to be auctioned

Sept 2, 7 p.m. Alfred Shaker Museum, history talk and tour with Earl and Betty Morrison, Waterboro Historical Society, Shaker Hill Road, Waterboro. FMI: 207.247.5878, www.waterboro-me.net/historical/.

Sept 3-5, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, “Cox and Box” and “Bon Apetite,” the first the story of a landlord who lets his room to two lodgers-one by day and one by night, and the latter, a loving, but comic tribute to Julia Childrs-cake and all, $10-$22, Hackmatack Playhouse, 538 School Street, Berwick. FMI: 207.698.1807, www.hackmatack.org.

Sept 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. School Around Us Fall Craft Fair, featuring 80 juried artists and artisans, live music, homemade food, On the Green, Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport. FMI: 207.967.3143, www.schoolaroundus.org.

Sept 4, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. “Comings and Goings,” art show, meet the artists and enjoy lunch at the Willowbrook Sandwich Shop, Willowbrook Village, 68 Elm Street, Newfield. FMI: 207.793.2784, www.willowbrookmuseum.org.

Sept 4, 7:30 p.m. Two Old Friends, Mac McHale and Emery Hutchins, perform plaintive ballads, foot-stomping shout tunes, soaring mandolin solos, gospel sing-alongs and story-tellying, $14/adults, $12/students and seniors, free/12 and under, Saco River Grange Hall, 29 Salmon Falls Road, Bar Mills. FMI: 207.929.6472, www.sacorivergrangehall.org.

Sept 4-5, 7:30 p.m. 6th Annual Ogunquit Museum of American Art Almost Labor Day Auction, with auctioneer Frank Kaminski, featuring Katherine Doyle’s oil painting “Garden, Late Afternoon,” live auction includes this signature image plus several dozen pieces of original art in various media by well-known local, Maine and national artists, food, wine and games, $50/person, $135/Patron, Ogunquit Museum, 543 Shore Road, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.4909,  www.ogunquitmuseum.org.

Sept 5, 1 p.m. Lawn Mower Racing on one of the largest tracks in New England, 1st heat at 1 p.m., racing at 2 p.m., $5/person, free/under 12, Oakhill’s Redneck Raceway, 1385 Shapleigh Corner Road, Shapleigh. FMI: 207.793.3414, www.theredneckraceway.com.

Sept 5, 8 p.m. An Evening with Stand Up Comedian Judy Gold, Emmy Award winning actress and comedian, $38/person, Jonathan’s Restaurant, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.4777, www.jonathansrestaurant.com.

Sept 6-8, all day, 20th Annual Capriccio, town-wide festival of art, music, poetry, ballet, live theater, concerts and design, sponsored by Ogunquit Performing Arts, various venues, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.6170, www.ogunquit.org.

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“Dracula” on stage at Lakewood Theater in Madison

Sept 2-4, 8 p.m. “Dracula,” directed by Jeff Quinn, a fast-pace, image soaked interpretation by Stephen Dietz, $18-$35, Lakewood Theater, 76 Theater Road, Madison. FMI: 207.474.7176, www.lakewoodtheater.org.

Sept 2-6, all day, Windsor Fair, agriculture, craft and art exhibits, large midway, animal pulling events, harness racing and mechanical bulls, entertainment including Motor Booty Affair and Bob Marley, prices vary, Windsor Fairgrounds, 100 Ridge Road, Windsor. FMI: 207.549.7911, www.windsorfair.com.

Sept 4, 8 a.m. 3rd Annual 5K Race for the Lakes, sponsored by the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, funds raised will help protect water quality and improve public enjoyment of the seven Belgrade Lakes, food and great prizes after race, $18/person, race begins at Point Road from Camp Runoia, Belgrade Lakes Village. FMI: 207.495.6039, www.belgradelakes.org.

Sept 4-5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, 21st Annual Rockhounder’s Gem and Mineral Show, sponsored by the Kennebec Rocks and Minerals Club, National Guard Armory, Western Avenue, Augusta. FMI: 207.873.6270, www.kennebec-rocksandminerals.com.

Sept 5, 2 and 7 p.m. 38th Annual Barbershop Harmony Show, presented by the Kennebec Vally Chordsmen, a cappella chorus and quartet singing at its finest, $12/matinee, $14/evening performance, Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville. FMI: 207.873.7000, www.operahouse.org.

Sept 7, 8 p.m. Lindsey Montana and guests The Peterson Project, featuring Mark Peterson on vocals and harmonica, Mike Conant on strings and vocals and Tim Clough on standup bass, Gritty McDuff’s 68 Main Street, Auburn. FMI: 207.376.2739, www.grittys.com/la.

Sept 8, 7:30-9 a.m. Solar Energy or Wind Energy? Pros and Cons presented by Greg Fletcher, department chair of the Trades and Technology Department at Kennebec Valley Community College, $14-$20, Thomas College Student Center, West River Road, Waterville. FMI: www.midmainechamber.com.

Sept 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Bryant Pond 4-H Camp Golf Classic to support “Campaign for Kids,” 9 a.m. shotgun start, 4 person team scramble, Poland Springs Golf Course, 41 Ricker Road, Poland. FMI: 207.665.2068, www.extension.umaine.edu/bryantpond.

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Lovewell Pond in Fryeburg, Maine

Developed along the Saco River, Fryeburg is proud to be “The Oldest Town in Oxford County,”  Maine. Originally called Pequawket (Pigwacket), Fryeburg is packed with history, recreational opportunities and great mountain views.

The battle of Pigwacket (Pequawket), known as “Lovewell’s Fight,” took place on May 8, 1725, on the shores of Saco Pond. The pond was later renamed for Captain John Lovewell of Dunstable, who commanded a company of 46 colonists. Both Captain Lovewell and Chief Paugus lost their lives in this fight.

Lovewell Pond covers 1,120 acres and has a maximum depth of 45 feet. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife stocks it with brown trout. Other fish caught here include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white perch and chain pickerel. A state-owned boat ramp is located at the southern end of the pond—the entrance is across from the Eastern Slopes Regional Airport on Route 113.

To canoe here, you might want to rent from Saco River Canoe & Kayak. It’s fun to canoe along the Saco River from Walker’s Rip to the pond, a distance of 2 miles. After exploring the shoreline and paddling out to Loon Island to swim and enjoy the views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range, listen for the flute-like song of the Hermit Thrush, before continuing from the Saco River outlet to Brownfield Bridge, 5.9 miles away.

The Hemlock Covered Bridge is another of the many gems found in Fryeburg. Built in 1857, of Paddleford truss construction with supporting laminated wooden arches, the bridge is a quaint and charming reminder of days gone by. It spans the old course of the Saco River. Though reinforced in 1988 so you can drive across, it’s more fun to walk. Take time to admire the work of our forefathers, peer at the river and read the graffiti on Maine’s oldest remaining covered bridge.

Known as Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic, the Fryeburg Fair is an 8-day agricultural fair that began 160 years ago and continues to offer a piece of Americana you shouldn’t miss. Roam the fairgrounds and you’ll find games, rides, music, exhibits, pie contests, pig and calf scrambles, skillet throw contests, bright lights, brilliant colors and . . . fair food! The midway is a wonderland of flashing lights, ringing bells and buzzing buzzers. Throughout the day and evening more than 100 different entertainment acts occur on the main stage and several other stages throughout the fair grounds. Special events include Woodsmen’s Field Day, a Firemen’s Muster, Grand Parade plus 4 x 4 and Tractor Pulls. According to Roy Andrews, “The Woodsmen’s Field Day is the biggest spectator Woodsmen’s Field Day this side of the Mississippi River.”

The Fryeburg Library on Main Street is home to a special collection of works by Hopalong Cassidy author and creator, Clarence Mulford. Documenting the cultural, social, political, economic and military history of the people of Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire is the Fryeburg Research Library on Route 113 in North Fryeburg. The FRL houses personal collections of books, journals, letters, and photographs, which are archived for public access. Loretta Crocker, Director of Research, says, “We preserve the history of Fryeburg, Lovell and Brownfield, with our main focus being Fryeburg,” but  . . . the collection includes much more for your genealogical research. The library is open year round, from 9-12 on Wednesdays, 1-4 on Thursdays, and 9-12 on Fridays or by appointment.

Fryeburg Academy, one of the first schools built in Maine, was incorporated in 1792. Students come from Fryeburg and neighboring towns, across the state and nation, plus throughout the world. In 2009, the Academy opened the Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, with a 400-seat theater, art galleries and seminar classroom.

The 150-foot granite dome known as Jockey Cap is located just east of the village and academy. A short hike up the back side provides an incredible view of the Mount Washington Valley. A granite monument commemorating Commodore Robert E. Peary identifies the surrounding mountains. Rock climbers are often seen scaling Jockey Cap’s boulders.

At Eastern Slope Regional Airport you’ll find a well-maintained, yet small, quiet and personal facility and occasionally a moose, black bear, coyote or turkey on the runway. Even though it’s tucked away, Eastern Slope Regional Airport is easy to access as it is less than three miles southeast of Fryeburg and just off Route 113. Local residents and businesses own the forty airplanes housed here. The 4,200-foot split runway can be approached from either end depending on the wind, and is one of the longest in the area. Though an un-towered airport, it is open day or night.

Walk along Main Street, or canoe the Saco River and Lovewell Pond and you’ll discover many more reasons to visit or live here.

*Not available during school hours

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Deertrees Theatre Festival in Harrison, Maine

Just up the street from Crystal Lake and Long Lake in Harrison, Maine, on a wooded lot that used to be a deer run, sits the Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center. Built of hemlock in an Adirondack Style, Deertrees first opened its doors in 1936. Today the theatre offers an eclectic schedule of events for young and old from late June until early September.

Broadway stars and local would-be actors as well as world-acclaimed musicians and aspiring students have graced the stage of Deertrees Theater.With signatures from stars the likes of Rudy Vallee, Arthur Treacher and Ethel Barrymore etched onto the backstage walls, performers at Deertrees Theatre immediately feel a part of history in the making. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Enrica Clay Dillion, a seasonal resident and renowned drama coach, founded Deertrees Theatre and brought big city talent to the area. Though many professional and local stars graced its stage and signed the walls, the theatre fell on hard times in the 1980s and landed in the town’s hands.  In 1999, the Deertrees Foundation, a non-profit organization, received the property deed from the town. The foundation’s mission is to provide quality performing and visual arts to the lakes region and western mountains of Maine. This is done in several forms—it serves as a venue for community based productions; it provides educational opportunities through student workshops; and if offers quality professional performances at reasonable prices to area residents.

The Deertrees Theatre Festival is one of these opportunities. In its eleventh season, the festival’s mission is to revive the founding concept of summer stock theatre by importing New York professional actors and directors to present award-winning Broadway shows in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine. Tom Sullivan of New York’s GreenLight TheatreWorks is the festival’s artistic director. Every August three shows run for two weeks each.

The final show for the Deertrees Theatre Festival is “Two for the Seesaw,” a romantic comedy by playwright William Gibson. Performances are August 27 and 28 plus September 2-4 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students.

“Two for the Seesaw” is “the long run Broadway hit that gained stardom for Anne Bancroft in the role of a girl from the Bronx whose love for a lonesome lawyer brings a few months of happiness into their lives. The lawyer is married to a beautiful, well to do girl in the midwest whose family sets the pace in local society and intends to run his marriage and his career as well. He has rebelled, come to New York and taken up residence with this intriguing young woman. He is lonely and in need of consolation; she is one of those rare women whose only purpose seems to be making others happy. Their briefly fulfilling relationship is unhappily destined to failure: he is a cultured gentile with a wife and painful memories while she is a plain Jewish girl with little education and a horrible Bronx accent. They share happy and humorous moments together, but they both see with sadness the utter hopelessness of the affair. “

–”It’s a whale of a hit, a bittersweet joy ride.” N.Y. Mirror.
–”An absorbing, affectionate, and funny delight.” N.Y. Daily News.

Before the show, make some time to view lakefront properties. Own a piece of real estate in the area and you can enjoy all the events at Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center. 

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 ”Stormy Cliffs” by Lisa Dombek on display at EFG Books and Gallery in Bridgton

August 26-28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. “Crows and Monhegan,” mixed media by Lisa Dombeck, EFG Books and Gallery, 186 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.9339, www.efgbooks.com.

August 26, 5-6 p.m. Hydrangeas, learn about how to use them in the landscape and more, $12, reservations required, O’Donal’s Nurseries, 6 County Road, Gorham. FMI: 207.839.4262, www.odonalsnurseries.com.

August 28, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Open Range Day, bring your favorite fire arms and try the 25-yard and 100-yard ranges, free, beginners welcome, Royal River Rod and Gun Club, Fish Hatchery Road, New Gloucester. FMI: 207.657.4184, www.royalriverrodandgunclub.org.

August 28, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Maine Native American Summer Market, show, sale and demonstrations of Native American arts and crafts, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, 707 Shaker Road, New Gloucester. FMI: 207.926.4597, www.shaker.lib.me.us.

August 28, 1 p.m. Tough Mountain Challenge at Sunday River, the ultimate event for the thrill-seeking athlete, 5K race with challenging obstacles, followed by a post race party featuring Matt and the Barnburners, Sunday River Ski Area, 15 South Ridge Road, Newry. FMI: 207.824.5850, www.sundayriver.com.

August 28, 1:30-8:30 p.m. Field on the Saco 2010, a locally grown, artfully served Epicurean Experience on the Farm, four of Mount Washington Valley’s chefs transform locally sourced, sustainable ingredients into edible art, $125/person, Green Thumb Farms, Fish Street, Fryeburg. FMI: www.mtwashingtonvalley.org.

August 28, 4-11 p.m. Memories of Music Festival, benefit for Dancing Trees, simultaneous multi-stage performances, “Got Talent” competition at 10 p.m. open to 1st 10 amateur single or group acts, $15/person includes spaghetti buffet and Magic   Lantern’s famous popcorn, beer and wine available, Magic Lantern Theatre, 9 Depot Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.539.2670, www.dancing-trees.org.

August 28, 8 p.m. Season Finale, work from the Celebration Collaborative, $8-$14/person, Celebration Barn Theater, 190 Stock Farm Road, South Paris. FMI: 207.743.8452, www.celebrationbarn.com.

August 29, 4 p.m. Anni Clark, part folk, part blues, sometimes pop, but all parts original, free concert, Gazebo, Village Green, Bethel. FMI: 207.824.3575, www.anniclark.com.

August 30, 7 p.m. Phil House and Kathy Haley, piano and vocals, $7.50/person, refreshments provided, All Souls Chapel, 37 Preservation Way, Poland Spring. FMI: 207.998.4142, www.polandspringps.org.

August 31, 8 p.m. “The Tough Cats,” a three-piece acoustic rock and roll band, $20, Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison. FMI: 207.583.6747, www.deertreestheatre.org.

September 1, 7-9 p.m. Straight Talk about the Crooked River, speakers from Portland Water District, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership and Friends of the Presumpscot River will talk about the watershed, free, Wilkins Community Center, 21 Plummer Hill Road, Waterford. FMI: 207.647.4352, www.loonecholandtrust.org.

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“Monty Python’s Spamalot” on stage at Ogunquit Playhouse

August 26-29, all day, Acton Fair, 145th Anniversary, 4-H events, pig scramble, horse and ox pulling, Ms. Acton pageant, parade and more, prices vary, Acton Fairgrounds, 550 Route 109, Acton. FMI: 207.636.2968,  www.actonfair.net.

August 26, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sidewalk Art Show and Sale, various locations, Ogunquit. FMI: www.visitogunquit.org.

August 26, 7:30 p.m. “The End of an Error,” talk and book signing with Mameve Medwed, $15, Union Church, 3 Stone Cliff Road, Biddeford Pool. FMI: 207.284.9807, www.unionchurchme.com.

August 26, 8 p.m. Aztec Two-Step, folk duo that has been described as the bridge to the Beat Generation, 21-plus, $25/person, The Landing at Pine Point, 353 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.774.4527, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com.

August 27, noon, 3rd Annual Nasson Community Center “Chip for the Community” Golf Tournament, benefits the center, shotgun start, $25/player, includes raffle prizes and BBQ, Pine Hollow Par 3 Golf, Route 109, Sanford. FMI: 207.324.5657, www.nassoncc.org.

August 27-28, 8 p.m. “Graceland” and “Asleep on the Wind,” one-act plays, $10/adults, $8/students and seniors, Sanford Maine Stage, 1 Hilltop Lane, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.8227, www.sanfordmainestage.com.

August 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Juried Craft Show, sponsored by the Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen, Village Green, Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport. FMI: 207.283.4715, www.societyofsouthernmainecraftsmen.org.

August 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Chili Fest, Maine State Chili Cook-Off,  presented by the Wells Chamber of Commerce, music, vendors, crafters and chili-tasting, Wells Junior High School, Route 1, Wells. FMI: www.wellschilifest.com.

August 28, 7 p.m. Rick Charette and the Bubble Gum Band, benefits D. A. Hurd Library’s renovation and expansion project, $10/person, Noble High School, 338 Somersworth Road, North Berwick. FMI: 207.676.2215, www.da-hurd.lib.me.us.

August 28, 7 p.m. Shelley Girdner, poet plus Captain Fiddle, musician, free, Red Door Pottery Studio and Gallery Shop, 44 Government Street, Kittery. FMI: 207.439.5671, www.reddoorpottery.com.

August 28, 8 p.m. An Intimate Evening with Ellis Paul, folk singer, $20, River Tree Arts, 35 Western Avenue, Kennebunk. FMI: 207.229.0212, www.kennebunkcoffeehouse.com.

September 1, 2:30 p.m. “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” starring Charles Shaughnessy and Rachel York, be forewarned, this show contains off-color humor, flying cows and flatulent Frenchmen and many not be suited for children under age 12, $55/person, Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.5511, www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

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One Lotus Flower by Ann L. Krumrein at L/A Arts Gallery 5

August 26, 6-9 p.m. Moonlight Madness, live music, bed races, family friendly entertainment, Water Street, Skowhegan. FMI: 207.474.3621, www.skowheganchamber.com.

August 26, 8 p.m. Richard Thomson, top guitarist, presented by Waterville Main Street, $25-$35, Waterville Opera House, 93 Main Street, Waterville. FMI: 207.873.7000, www.operahouse.org.

August 26-28, ongoing, New England Trappers’ Weekend, demonstrations, contests, music, auction and more, free, Olsen Residence, Bethel. FMI: 207.875.5765, www.mta.homestead.com.

August 27-29, 6 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. Sunday, 5th Annual End of Summer Hoorah! Car/Bike weekend, Texas Hold ‘Em Tourney, motorcycle raffle run, pig roast, grid iron burnout shootout car/bike show, chicken BBQ, prices vary, Farmington Fairgrounds, High Street, Farmington. FMI: 207.778.4215, www.franklincountymaine.org.

August 27-29, 6:30 p.m. Friday-6:30 p.m. Sunday, American Folk Festival, dancing, music, storytelling and other traditional folk arts, $10/day (suggested donation), shuttle busses, 4 stages along the Riverfront, Bangor. FMI: 207.992.2630, www.americanfolkfestival.com.

August 27, 7 p.m. “Colors of Hope,” opening reception for group show, L/A Arts Gallery 5, 49 Lisbon Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207.782.7228, www.laarts.org.

August 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Barks in the Park, costume party, demonstrations, agility games, group dog walk and more, free, Gardiner Commons, Main Street, Gardiner. FMI: www.gardinermainstreet.org.

August 29, 2-4 p.m. Identifying Trees, with Winona Badershall, free, Wilhelm Reich Museum, Dodge Pond Road, Rangeley. FMI: 207.864.3443, www.wilhelmreichmuseum.org.

August 29, 2-4 p.m. Unnatural Selection, original acoustic progressive rock featuring Woody Pierson, outdoor concert, free, bring your own seat, Norcross Point, Bowdoin Street, Winthrop. FMI: www.winthropmaine.org.

August 29, 5:30-7 p.m. Back to Basics, bluegrass group from Mid-coast Maine, bring your own seating, free, bring nonperishable food for local food pantry, Marion T. Morse Park, 18 School Street, Lisbon Falls. FMI: 207.353.3000, www.lisbonme.org.

August 31, 7 p.m. Celtic Tuesdays with Vishten, third generation Acadians whose sound is essentially Celtic but with a difference, $20/adults, $10/under age 12, Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207.783.1585, www.francoamericanheritage.org.

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Reflections of the setting sun in Belgrade, Maine

The resort town of Belgrade sits in the picturesque countryside of central Maine. Considered the premier inland vacation spot in Maine, Belgrade encompasses portions of Great Pond, Long Pond, Messalonskee Lake and Salmon Lake. These lakes plus area streams and wetlands provide great opportunities for boaters and birders alike.

Belgrade offers a variety of recreational opportunities from boating and swimming to fishing and golfing.

Boat rentals, services and storage is available through Belgrade Boat, Canoe and Kayak Rental, Belgrade Lakes Marina and Storage, Inc, Brightside Wooden Boat Services, Great Pond Marina, Whisperwood Boat Rentals and Belgrade Boat Storage.

Besides swimming at the town beach on Long Pond, swimmers may enjoy the pool, lessons and programs offered at the Belgrade Community Center for all Seasons. The community center also offers many other year-round activities for all age groups.

For the fishermen out there, these lakes are teeming and ready for you. Maine Guides are also ready to help you have an unforgettable outdoor experience. Maine Wilderness Tours offers fishing, white water rafting, eagle watching and more. Swans Guide Service will lend a hand with fishing, hiking, canoeing and kayaking trips.

A special treat on the waters of Great Pond, offered for a nominal fee, is a ride on one of the two remaining U.S. Postal Water Routes. For five months during the summer season, Captain Norm welcomes sightseeing passengers as he delivers mail dockside along the shores of Great Pond.

Golfers will love the championship Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, which has a five-star rating. It’s listed as number one in Maine and as “one of the best public golf courses to play in the United States” by Golf Digest. For the younger crowd who want to improve their strokes on the green or court, check out the Maine Golf and Tennis Academy.

Traditional residential summer camps can also be found in Belgrade. Great Pond has been home to two camps for over 100 years: Camp Runoia for girls and Pine Island Camp for boys. Camp Modin, the oldest Jewish camp in New England, is on Salmon Lake.

A variety of community events occur throughout the year. The Belgrade Lakes Association and Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance offer special activities including Aquafest, guided walks, lectures and boat parades. Fourth of July activities include a frog jumping contest and fireworks display. The fire department sponsors an auto show each July. The first Saturday in August finds folks trying their best at the Loon Calling Contest, which is followed by a bean supper. In October, the annual Octoberfest includes hayrides and arts and crafts. Luminaries light the way for the Christmas Stroll on the first Saturday in December. Other events include a father/daughter dance, mother/child dance, talent show and public suppers.

A trip to Belgrade isn’t complete without a stop at Day’s Store on Long Pond and Main Street. From fresh meats and souvenirs to fishing tackle and licenses, you’ll find most of what you need, but it’s the fresh doughnuts they make each morning that I guarantee will find you returning to Day’s. And Lakeside Scoops is open seasonally on the Long Pond side of the store. If you can’t find something in Belgrade, you’ll surely locate it just a short distance away in Augusta or Waterville.

Discover the sparkling waters of Belgrade. Find out for yourself just how special this place is and let it become your lakefront retreat.

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View from the foot of Mousam Lake in Acton

Ten lakes and ponds offer vacation and recreational activities in Acton, Maine–Balch Pond, Great East Lake, Hansen Pond, Horn Pond, Loon Pond, Moose Pond, Mousam Lake, Shapleigh Lake, Square Pond, Swan Pond and Wilson Lake. There’s more fresh water in Acton than in any other town in York County.

Several bodies of water, including Great East Lake, Loon Pond, Mousam Lake (pronounced Mouse-am) and Square Pond have lake associations with the mission to protect the lake environment, especially for water quality and wildlife.

Mousam is one of southern Maine’s most popular lakes. Brian Hardy, a seasonal resident says, “Nothing soothes the soul like a Mousam sunset.”

Two local marinas can meet your boat and recreational needs. Lakeside Sport and Marina is located on Mousam Lake, while Dick’s Marina is on Balch Pond.

To the east, the town boundary cuts through Square Pond and Mousam Lake, while the western boundary is formed by Salmon Falls River and the New Hampshire state line. Rolling hills and ubiquitous stone walls accentuate the landscape. This rural southwestern town serves as a bedroom community for Sanford and is only 30 miles southwest of Portland.

Silver was discovered in Acton in 1877. A decade of mining and prospecting followed, but the mines were later abandoned. More information about the mining can be found at the Acton-Shapleigh Historical Society.

The Acton Fair, held annually in August, takes place at the Acton Fairgrounds on Route 109. 2010 marks the 145th anniversary of the fair.

Big Daddy’s Clam Shack and Barbecue offers the finest seafood and ribs in the area. You’ll find Big Daddy’s on Route 109, across from the Acton Fair Grounds.

If it’s a quiet setting you are seeking for lakefront property, Acton may just be the place for you.

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