Community Events Calendar

Bates Midsummer Concert Series. Jul 12 thru Aug 09, 2012. From bluegrass to 19th-century brass band music, from global sounds to high-tech traditional, the 2012 Midsummer Lakeside Concert Series offers sounds for every music lover. The series opens at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in the Florence Keigwin Amphitheater by the college's scenic Lake Andrews. The series continues with four more concerts, all at 6 p.m.

FUSE: Maine encaustic artists to show at the Harlow Gallery. In August FUSE will bring 19 Maine encaustic artists together in an exhibition at the Harlow Gallery. FUSE will be on view August 3-25, 2012 with an opening reception on Friday, August 3 from 5-8pm. The Harlow Gallery is located at 160 Water Street in Hallowell. FUSE will introduce the public to the diverse methods and techniques currently employed by contemporary encaustic artists. Encaustic is a beeswax-based painting medium made of beeswax, pigment and damar resin, has a unique and long history that dates as far back as the 5th century B.C. Ancient Greeks used wax to seal and decorate their warships due to its resistance to water and cold temperatures. A resurgence of encaustic as an art form in the past two decades can be partly attributed new techniques and invention used with the versatile medium. The 19 Maine artists participating in FUSE are: Debra Arter, Damariscotta ~ Libby Barrett, Cape Elizabeth ~ Jean Bookman, Lubec ~ Aleana Chaplin, Gardiner ~ Betsy Cook, Hallowell ~ Marjorie Cormier, Chesterville ~ Helene Farrar, Manchester ~ Deborah Anne Hall, New Gloucester ~ Penelope Hall, Kingfield ~ LeeAnne Mallonee, Bangor ~ Jason Morgan, Readfield ~ Petrea Noyes, Lincolnville ~ Jane Page-Conway, Bowdoinham ~ Victoria Pittman, Tenants Harbor ~ Ann E. Rhinehardt , Vassalboro ~ Jamie Ribisi-Braley, Manchester ~ Mary Becker Weiss, Augusta ~ Lynda Wilson, Windham ~ Diane Bowie Zaitlin, Saco. Exhibition will be on View: August 3-25, 2012. Opening date: Friday, August 3, 2102, 5-8pm. Cost: FREE and open to the public.

Requested donation $20.

The Tortoise vs. the Hare: The Greatest Race, July 30-August 4, Sponsored by Belgrade Lakes Resources, LLC. Somewhere in desert country, the inhabitants of West Sandy Bottoms are preparing for the highlight of their year the annual race between the Reptiles and the Mammals. A company of strolling actors attempts to tell the tale in classical fashion. The Hare s weasely managers brag about their racing star as the various reptiles assemble to choose their candidate. Fan clubs are preparing their cheers as the big day draws near. Philoh Ferret reminds the racing fans that his service station is for mammals only. As we see the race through the eyes of a TV news team covering the event, we soon discover that there is more than a sporting rivalry between the brown animals and the green animals. Loyalties to their specific colors create a real animosity among these creatures. Sound familiar? As the race proceeds, a tiny bunny is lost in the wilds of Tornado Gulch and, almost miraculously, color is forgotten as the mammals and reptiles join in the search. The wisdom of the old tortoise and the lesson learned by the cocky hare remind us all that color is just a color -- it s just decorated skin. In the end, the animals realize the folly of their ways and live happily together in their sandy homeRegistration materials are now available for 2012's Missoula Children's Theatre camps. The camps are open for children entering grades 1 through 8 in the fall. To sign up your child, please download the registration form here. Please note that we have changed the Saturday performance times to 2:00pm for all three sessions. The Tortoise vs. the Hare (Missoula Children's Theatre) Main Stage August 4 at 2:00pm. The cost is $200 per session, or $500 for all three sessions. A sibling discount is available. (All scholarships have been awarded for this summer.) A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required at time of registration. If you have any questions, please call (207) 873-7000.

AUGUSTA: Farmer's Market at MILL PARK, 1 North Water Street, the old Edwards Mills site. May-November Tuesdays 2-6pm, www.farmersmarketmillpark.org. Augusta Farmers Market @ TURNPIKE MALL, Western Ave/Whitten Road June-October, Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am-12pm (noon). VILES ARBORETUM Farmers Market, 153 Hospital Street May-November, Fridays 2-6pm. GARDINER: GARDINER'S FARMER'S MARKET, On the Commons, Route 201, May-October Wednesdays 2-6pm. HALLOWELL: HALLOWELL MARKET DAY at the foot of Winthrop Street on Water Street (Route 201)May to October, Sundays 11am-3pm. MANCHESTER: MAYFLOWER FARMERS MARKET, Route 17, next to Post office at the big red barn, May-November, Wednesdays 3-6pm Saturday 10am-2pm. WAYNE: WAYNE'S FARMERS MARKET, Bridge Street, in the park between the mill stream and the general store. July-September Sunday Mornings. WINTHROP: WINTHROP FARMERS MARKET, location: TBD, May-October Tuesdays and Saturdays 9am-1pm.

The Maine State Museum to Host Girl Scout Centennial Exhibit and Special Event. Girl Scouts: Celebrating One Hundred Years!! Exhibit: June 23 through August 31, 2012. The Maine State Museum in Augusta in partnership with the Girl Scouts of Maine opens a new special exhibit Girl Scouts: Celebrating One Hundred Years, on Saturday, June 23, 2012 from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. with a day filled with fun activities. On display will be vintage period uniforms, pins, patches, ephemeras, cookie merchandise, camping gear, and many other novelty items. In celebration of the new exhibit and the opening day festivities, Maine State Museum admission is free all day! On-going activities throughout the day include: the museum s Natural History and History Touch Carts Old Fashion Games Fish Printing - Scavenger Hunt. The Maine State Museum is open Tuesday through Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, open on Sundays 1-4 pm from June 24-Nov. 25, 2012. Admission is $2 for adults; $1 for senior adults over age 62 and children 6-18 years of age; children under 6 free. Maximum charge for families is $6. Cask and checks only. For more information please call 207-287-2301, or visit the Maine State Museum website: www.mainestatemuseum.org

Details: Oral histories and portraits richly explore the stories of the people who helped put Auburn "on the map" as one of the largest producers of shoes in the nation at one time. These people built an industry that continues to produce world-famous shoes today. A timeline begins in the year 1824 and documents the history of shoemaking in the Twin Cities. Through photos and text learn the steps of making a shoe, welt-boot making, and about the "cottage industry" of shoemaking at home. Videos show the shoemaking process and techniques of handsewing a shoe. Cost/Cover: $5.00 adults; $4.00 seniors and students 6 and up; Free - children 5 and under accompanied by an adult.

RIDE TILL YOU DROP, VISIT ALL THE ANIMALS AND MARVEL AT THE THRILLING SHOWS AND EXHIBITS ALL FOR ONE LOW, LOW PRICE. THE PERFECT WAY TO SPEND A SUMMER'S DAY - OR TWO. SEARCH HIGH AND LOW, BUT YOU'LL NEVER FIND A BETTER DEAL THAN THIS ONE, SO JOIN US AT THE FAIR'S 161st CELEBRATION, YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS IT!! A large family fair featuring a midway, animal exhibits, crafts, commercial exhibits, flowers, animal pulling events, and harness racing. Cost/Cover: $10. The State Fair you can features a midway, a demolition derby, backyard circus, concerts, great food, a petting zoo, pony rides, exhibits, fireworks and fun blown family entertainment. Admission $10.00 per Person, per Day! See all the shows, Check out all the exhibits, Visit with the cows, sheep, goats and horses and....... Ride all the rides as often as you like.......all for this one low price! Truly the deal of the Summer! Children under 3 are FREE, but no rides. Parking On Site ~ $5.00 Per Vehicle.

Skowhegan RiverFest A Food Lover Paradise in Disguise July 27 August 5, in Downtown Skowhegan when Skowhegan becomes the jubilant home to the 6th Annual home of RiverFest. It all kicks off with an ArtWalk on the evening of the 27th and Ends with Fireworks in Coburn Park on August 5th. And for those who love to eat there is no shortage of fun. The Artisan Bread Fair takes place on the 28 (see below) at the Fairgrounds, there is a Pub Crawl on the 30th, The Lions Club Chicken BBQ and classic car show on the 31st and the Rotary Lobster Bake is on the 3rd. But save some room for the RiverFest Family Fun Days featuring a Jazz Brunch on the 5th. FMI call the Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce at 207-474-3621 or Main Street Skowhegan at 207-612-2571.

RALLY ROUND THE FLAG, BOYS CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT COMING TO VILES ARBORETUM ~ The Viles Arboretum is pleased to announce that it will host the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Public demonstrations including musket firing will take place from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday August 4th. Admission will be $3.00 per person (12 and under free). The encampment will be located in the Nut Collection, a beautiful setting surrounded by large oaks and fields and just a five minute walk from the Arboretum Visitors Center. A menu of barbeque lunch meals will be available and there will be an outdoor gift shop set up as well so come and enjoy yourselves and experience an outstanding living history presentation. Golf cart transportation will be provided for those needing transport assistance to the encampment. COMPANY B, 20th MAINE, is a living history group dedicated to preserving the memory of Maine Civil War volunteers. The original Company B was mustered into the 20th Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infantry, in August 1862, in time to march to Antietam with the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. Company B, commanded by Walter G. Morrill, had been recruited in Piscataquis County, among the farmers of Dover, Milo, and Sebec. At Gettysburg, Company B was sent out as skirmishers by Colonel Chamberlain to protect the regiment's exposed left flank. Posted behind a stone wall, the Company was too far away to participate in the initial fight, but was instrumental in routing the fleeing Confederates, its sudden appearance adding to the Rebel confusion. Company B was with the 20th in all its battles, from the Wilderness to Petersburg to Appomattox. Its Captain, Captain Walter Morrill, became the Regiment's last commander in March, 1865. THE PRESENT-DAY REENACTMENT GROUP is made up of men and women from eastern, central and southern Maine, even Canada, and as far north as Aroostook county. They are people from various walks of life. The group includes school teachers, an aircraft pilot, a lawyer, and self-employed contractors. They all share a fascination in the Civil War, and a great interest in "learning by doing". They strive to be as "authentic" as possible in their Civil War impressions, and their main goal is to provide members and the public with activities that are enjoyable, educational and above all, safe. CIVIL WAR ENCAMPMENT AT VILES ARBORETUM - LIVING HISTORY - 10:00 - 2:00 SATURDAY AUGUST 4TH. Breaking News!!!!! Maine Public Broadcasting will be filming a documentary during this encampment. What better way to enjoy a Saturday..... A short hike to the Arboretum Nut Collection and one of the best locations on our 224 acres, you will have the opportunity to discover an authentic encampment of the 20th. Maine Volunteer Infantry. Musket firing, drills, all part of life during the Civil War will be taking place. Bring the family. Admission is only $3.00 and there will be hearty lunches served for a small fee. Golf cart transport will be available for those needing a ride to the encampment. We will also have the Viles gift shop set up on the lawn out in front of the visitors center with a wide selection of bird feeders. Now is a good time to get your hummingbird feeders....or consider some early holiday shopping.

Loon Paddle to Sunset Beach on Hodgdon Island, Lake Cobbossee Saturday, August 4, 10:00 a.m. Join Lisa Kane, Natural Science Educator, MDIFW, and the KLT Outing Club for a paddle to Sunset Beach on Hodgdon Island, where we will picnic and swim. Lisa will begin with a short educational program about loons, then the group will canoe or kayak on Cobbossee Lake to Sunset Beach. Meet at the outlet dam on Cobbossee Stream; park along Collins Road. Please pack a picnic lunch. Bring your own kayak/canoe. PREREGISTER and directions: (207) 377-2848.

Auditions for 17th Annual Johnson Hall / Riverfront Festival Talent Show.Got talent? Want to compete for a $200 prize? The 17th Annual Johnson Hall / Riverfront Talent Show is looking for you! Hosted this year by Johnson Hall s new Executive Artistic Director Mike Miclon, this tradition of providing an outdoor showcase for area talent continues. Auditions will be held on Thursday, May 2, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and again on Saturday, May 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, 280 Water Street in Gardiner. All ages and all talents are welcome to try out. Please arrive by 5:45 pm on Thursday and 1:45 pm on Saturday to get your audition number. Please contact Johnson Hall to advise which day you will be auditioning. A limited number of acts will be chosen to perform at the Talent Show, to be held on June 22 at 6:30 pm on the Gardiner Waterfront (rain date June 23 at 3:00 pm). Four prizes will be awarded at the Talent Show: Best Overall Prize is $200; Adult is $100, Teen (13-17) is $100 and Junior (12 & under) is $100. Audition applicants should bring their accompanying music, if required. Karaoke will not be allowed, so any CDs or MP3s should have the music only. Audition pieces should be presented complete with costumes and/or props, exactly as you would appear at the Talent Show itself. All acts are welcome bands, poets, storytellers, variety acts, dancers, magicians the sky s the limit. No one will be accepted into the talent show without an audition, however. This is an amateur event. We are looking to identify the area s next star. Performance slots will be open to anyone, but prizes are limited to those who do not primarily support themselves as a performer. Audition applications are available at Johnson Hall walk in, email info@johnsonhall.org or download from their website at www.johnsonhall.org. Applications can be brought to the audition or filled out at the audition. Please call 582-7144 for more information, assistance, or to sign up for an audition day.