RANGELEY— The Rangeley Lakes Region will celebrate its designation as an Appalachian Trail Community Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Haley Pond Park on Pond Street.

Vendors, exhibits, seminars, fun contests, suggested hikes and paddles, book signings, thru- and section-hikers reunion, and children’s activities and crafts will take place all through the day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The dedication ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at the Haley Pond Park gazebo.

Mark Wenger, executive director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Hawk Metheny, regional director of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, representative from the National Park Service, and local and state government representatives will take part in the official designation of Rangeley as an AT Community.

The day will conclude with a street dance on Pond Street featuring a favorite foot stomping bluegrass band, the Sandy River Ramblers, and an always popular bonfire and free marshmallow roast hosted by SnowSource. This free event starts at 6 p.m. and runs until at least 8.

The AT Community designation is designed to act as a catalyst for enhancing economic development, engaging community citizens as trail visitors and stewards, aiding local municipalities and regional areas with conservation planning and helping local community members see the Trail as a resource and asset. The program also serves to highlight and recognize those communities who are taking steps to ensure the ongoing protection of their natural, cultural and recreational resources, including the Appalachian Trail.

Rangeley is one of two towns in the state and one of only 26 towns along the more than 2,180 miles of Appalachian Trail that extends from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine to be recognized with this designation.

For more information, check the News/Promotion page of www.rangeleymaine.com, email at info@rangeleymaine.com or call 864-5571.

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