“39th Annual Founder’s Day & Classic Car Exhibit,”  Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum, South Paris

July 14, Friday, 9am, “Invasive Plants Walk,” this informative walk in Pondicherry Park will demonstrate the impact of invasive plants on native species and ways to consider managing them. Nancy Olmstead, Invasive Plant Biologist for the Maine Natural Areas Program, will be on hand to share her expertise on this topic. Pondicherry Park was permanently conserved for future generations with a conservation easement held by Loon Echo. The park is owned by the Town of Bridgton and his home to a variety of invasive plants. This walk is geared to land managers, landscapers, municipalities and homeowners. Participants should bring appropriate gear for trail walking, water and snacks. Meet at the main kiosk on Depot Street at the Dunning Memorial Bridge at 8:45 AM Approximately 2 hours. Easy to Moderate, free, Pondicherry Park, Depot Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207-647-4325, www.lelt.org.
July 14-16, Friday-Sunday, all day events, 12pm/events begin, “60th Annual Molly Ockett Days,” Bethel’s biggest and most beloved event for over 50 years. Artists and crafters on the town common, parade, live music, kids’ entertainment, frog jumping contest, food, fireworks, more groups – but it’s really a homecoming, a time to connect with friends and neighbors, and enjoy the beautiful Bethel summer. Road races: 5-mile run, 2-mile walk, 1-mile kids’ run, diaper dash too! T-shirts & prizes, and more, see site for scheduling details, Downtown, Bethel. FMI: 207-824-2282, www.mollyockettday.com.
July 14, Friday, 3-6pm, “Harvest Gold Gallery’s 20th Anniversary Celebration,” come stop by the Gallery and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, provided by Severance Lodge Club, while perusing the art and chatting with some of your favorite local artists. It is sure to be a fun and relaxed gathering that everyone will enjoy, free, Harvest Gold Gallery, 1082 Main Street, Center Lovell. FMI: 207-925-6502, www.harvestgoldgallery.com.
July 15, Saturday 9am-5pm, “39th Annual Founder’s Day & Classic Car Exhibit,” The showpiece of the charity event is The Bahre Collection of antique and Classic cars. The collection, housed at the birthplace of Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s first vice-president, is open once a year to the public at the Founder’s Day event. The collection of over fifty vehicles includes one of the world’s finest assemblages of Packards. The Packard collection features Dietrich V-windshield body styles and LeBaron V-windshield body styles on the Packard 12 chassis for 1932-34, the one-off front-wheel-drive prototype sedan, a 1906 Model S touring car and other specialty Packards. The collection highlights American Classics such as Duesenbergs, V-16 Cadillac, Stutz, Graham-Paige, and Auburn 12; foreign Classics such as Delahaye, Isotta Fraschini, Hispano-Suiza, Mercedes-Benz and Alfa-Romeo; and an eclectic grouping of brass-era cars (including two electric cars), a Tucker, a Harley-Davidson and later-model sports cars. Along with the vehicles there is an antique doll and toy collection, horse-drawn carriages, player piano, old phonographs, table-top instruments and a jukebox. Founder’s Day festivities include music, entertainment and a crafts fair, $10/adults admission to Bahre Collection, $2/12 and under, Hamlin Memorial Library & Museum, 16 Hannibal Hamlin Drive, South Paris. FMI: 207-743-2980, www.hamlin.lib.me.us/founders_day.html.
July 15, Saturday, 9am-4pm, “Art in the Park,” Main Street in Bridgton will be filled with Artists and Artisans selling their work. This one day event is always a highlight of the summer season in the Lakes Region, as thousands of visitors stroll through the lovely park setting. Fifty artists will display work in a variety of media, including painting, jewelry, sculpture, stained glass, ceramics, wood works, photography, fiber arts and much more. There is no charge to attend Art in the Park, though you may be inspired to purchase some nice pieces of art for your home or as gifts. Art in the Park, which is presented annually by Gallery 302 and the Bridgton Art Guild, will also have food and drink available for purchase, courtesy of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Live music will be provided by members of the Songwriter’s Circle, including Carolyn Rhoads, Gary Polhemus, Janet Gill, Gene Bahr, Chuck Dietzel and Ken Turley. Non-profits such as Deertrees Theatre, Rufus Porter Museum and Lakes Environmental Association will also have booths, free, Shorey Park, Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207-647-2787, gallery302.com.
July 15, Saturday, 7pm, “Ashley Liberty & Daniel Strange,” Ashley Liberty, a highly accomplished violinist, and Daniel Strange, an extremely talented pianist, are returning to North Windham Union Church to perform this summer. Both are Maine natives and are beloved favorites of local audiences. Ashley and Daniel are known for their skill at multiple genres of music, including jazz, blues, swing, and classical. Daniel and Ashley have accompanied numerous Broadway and classical performers, including Norm Lewis, Sutton Foster, Andrea Bocelli, Noel Paul Stookey, and Bernadette Peters. Ashley and Daniel reside in Miami, but have graciously agreed to perform this benefit concert while home during their summer vacation. This will be a concert not to be missed – and is certain to be an evening to remember! There will be a brief intermission during which desserts and drinks will be served, $5-$12, North Windham Union Church, 723 Roosevelt Trail, Windham. FMI: 207-939-7947, mwamconcerts.com.
July 18, Tuesday, 7:30pm, “Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival,” summer concert series, Influential Frienships – DVORAK: Terzetto for 2 Violins and Viola, Op. 74, BRAHMS: Clarinet Trio in A Minor, Op. 114, SCHUMANN: Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44, $25/adults, free/under 21, Deertrees Theatre, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison. FMI: 207-583-6747, SebagoMusicFestival.org.