Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the Oxford Hills area, there is an abundance of things to do from art shows to puppet shows, from concerts in the park to county fairs, and these events fit all budgets as well.

For music lovers, there is a free concert at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Veterans Memorial Park in Oxford at the corner of Route 121 and Skeetfield Road. The evening concert will feature The Maine Highland Fiddlers and will be held rain or shine.

Every Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. at Paris Elementary in South Paris there is free entertainment for children — young and old — featuring everything from storytelling to puppet shows. Paris Elementary is on the corner of High Street and Hathaway Road.

Also every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. there are free concerts at the gazebo in Moore Park, a triangle between High Street and Route 26.

If it’s the peacefulness and beauty of the garden that interests you, visitors to McLaughlin Garden and Homestead at 97 Main Street, South Paris, will find beautiful flowers, unusual tree species and serene walking paths. Throughout the season there are demonstrations, art shows and other activities in the barn. Most events are free, but donations are appreciated.

For the art lovers, Art in the Barn on Saturday, Aug. 10, at McLaughlin’s will showcase the artistic creations of Sarah Shapley, Cathy Grizsly and Molly Mains. For a full schedule of everything that goes on in the garden or barn, call 207-743-8820 or visit www.mclaughlingarden.org.

Also for art lovers, from August 2 to 31, Frost Farm Gallery at 272 Pikes Hill Road, Norway will host an art exhibit entitled “Flight: Metaphors in Motion” by Maya Best. Opening reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 2. For more information, call 207-743-8041.

A stop at Main Street Gallery, 426 Main Street, Norway is an art lover’s delight. The gallery is part of the Western Maine Art Group and has limited hours, so check the website for times and events at www.westernmaineartgroup.org.

If hooked and braided rugs are of interest to you, there will be an exhibit on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at the Bell Hill Meetinghouse on Bell Hill Road in Otisfield. For details, call 207-539-8178.

You can whet your appetite at any of the fine restaurant and take-out stores throughout the area. Many of the take-out spots have picnic tables on the premises and Lake Pennessewassee on Route 118 in Norway has beautiful shaded picnic areas, beaches and boat launch.

If it’s fast-paced excitement you’re after, it can be found at Oxford Plains Speedway on Route 26, Oxford. The Wednesday and Friday night racing series are held throughout the racing season in addition to other racing events. For more information, call 207-539-8865 or visit www.oxfordplains.com.

Perhaps a slower pace is more to your liking. For the classical music fan, the Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival takes place at Deertrees Theater in Harrison. On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Kreutzer Sonata will perform and on Tuesday, Aug. 13, Phantasies is the theme for a strings and horns concert. For more information, call 207-583-6747 or visit www.sebagomusicfestival.org.

For a different style of music, which includes blues, folk, jazz and country try Tucker’s Pub at 290 Main Street, Norway. Tucker’s Pub is located in an 1894 building originally operated as Tucker’s Harness Shop and several historic pictures of downtown Norway grace the walls. Friday is Acoustic Open Mic and live performances are held every Saturday night. For more information, call 207-739-2200.

A similar music experience is available at The Smilin’ Moose Publix House at 10 Market Square, South Paris. To find out who and what is on tap, call 207-739-6006 or just stop in for a good meal and a good time.

A different type of entertainment can be found at the Celebration Barn Theater on Stock Farm Road, South Paris. There are weekly performances that include performance art, juggling, mime, music and various other types of entertainment. Check them out at www.celebrationbarn.com.

If you happen to like the slots, Oxford Casino is located on Route 26, Oxford. There is a large variety of slot machines, table games and an onsite restaurant. For more information, visit www.oxfordcasino.com.

And what can be more fun than a county fair? The Oxford County Fair will take place from September 11 to 14, at 68 Pottle Road, just off Route 26. For more information, visit www.oxfordcountyfair.com.

Throughout the Oxford Hills you will find a vast variety of retail stores and an abundance of farm stands with fresh local produce and baked goods.

No matter what you are looking for in entertainment, shopping, fun or food, you’ll find it here, because Oxford Hills really does have it all.

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