LIVERMORE FALLS — Papermakers, Quarter Century members, loggers and the public are invited to the Maine Papermakers and Wood Products Celebration Saturday, Aug. 29.
A full day of events is planned to highlight papermakers, loggers and wood products, and their historical importance in the region. Most events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Maine’s Paper & Heritage Museum is steering the event. It will be open to celebrate the 50 years that the Androscoggin Mill has been in Jay.
Organizer Sherry Judd said vendors will be setting up in the recreation field behind the Livermore Falls Town Office between 8:30 and 10 a.m. At 9 a.m., a 5K fundraising race will kick things off.
Tom Roy, owner of Fitness Stylz, designed the race route. Those wishing to preregister for the race, or who want more information, may call Roy at 897-5978. Registrations may be made the morning of the race. Winners will be able to pick a prize from a large box of prizes donated by area businesses.
There will be several activities for children to enjoy, including rides on a logging train offered throughout the day. The train was donated by the Forest Museum of Rangeley.
Financial sponsors to support the children’s logging train ride are still being sought. Those who wish to donate may buy a log at the suggested price of $100, and their business’ name will be attached to one of the log cars on the train.
Children may also have their face painted or craft a paper mache creation. Staff from Wilhelm Reich Museum in Rangeley will have brochures about its programs and fun things for youths to do. They can have a balloon animal made and can tie-dye a T-shirt to take home.
Wilton author Nancy Prince will read from her 2010 book, “Libby’s Loons” from 3 to 4 p.m.
People of all ages will enjoy learning more about alpacas at Shadow Hill Farm’s display. The Spruce Mountain Area Robotics Teams will show some of the robots they have created and how they work.
At 11 a.m., Matt Galambos from the New England Association of Lumberjacks and Sheridan “Shed” Doyle from Doyles’ Tree Service will be giving demonstrations of important events in the logging industry. Included will be axe throwing, wood chopping, hot sawing, which uses a big, powerful motorcycle engine-powered chainsaw, and hand sawing.
A tent will be set up to interview anyone who has been involved with papermaking, logging or other aspects of wood harvesting. Anyone willing to share their story is asked to stop by to help preserve memories of this industry.
Quarter Century members will have a special tent where members can gather and reminisce with one another.
WKTJ will be present from 10 a.m. to noon. Paul Bright will be singing at the Gazebo from 1 to 3 p.m., and a surprise singer may also perform in the afternoon.
“Jeep,” a storyteller from Rangeley, remembers logging down the river as a kid and will be telling stories about logging and river logging runs from 2 yo 3 p.m.
Wood vendors, craft vendors and local loggers will be set up on the recreation field. Several food vendors will also take part. Space is still available for those wishing to promote or sell their products.
The celebration will conclude with a visit from comedian Father Guido of Chisholmore Falls. The program will be held in Murray Hall at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 each and will be on sale prior to that evening. No tickets will be sold at the door.
For more information on the celebration or to purchase tickets for the Father Guido show, call Sherry Judd at 592-1807.
pharnden@sunmediagroup.net
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